Director/ Registered Dietitian

Description
Responsible for managing the nutritional care of patients including conducting patient nutritional screenings and assessments, intervention and education in an inpatient and outpatient setting. Collaborates with patient care team to identify patient risk factors and creates diet/meal plans to tailor dietary services and improve patient outcomes. Analyzes the effectiveness of interventions using metrics to implement data-driven improvements. Provides nutrition education to patients using the latest nutritional research and to mitigate patient risk factors. Directs and plans the activities of the Nutrition Services Department, providing quality food service and nutrition care for patient population, visitors, guests, hospital staff, physician teams and administrators. Establishes/maintains policies and procedures of the department, and provides administrative direction of menu formulation, food preparation and service, purchasing, sanitation standards, safety practices and personnel utilization. Responsible for the overall management of Nutrition Services staff and department education programs, coordinates interdepartmental professional activities, and acts as a resource to staff and management on matters pertaining to nutrition. Participates in PI/QA performance improvement activities and educates all staff members. Requires excellent communication, critical thinking, time management and leadership skills.
Requirements
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Completes a comprehensive nutritional assessment on each patient upon admission.
• Prepares individualized meal plans that consider the needs of the patient including: medical, nutritional, age, other risk factors, etc.
• Monitors status and takes appropriate actions including implementing interventions based on knowledge of patient's current health.
• Works with the patient's care team; completes/updates treatment plans and reviews with the individual patient.
• Provides individual nutritional counseling and education for patients and family, patient's caregivers in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Provides nutrition education as appropriate for staff.
• Coordinates therapeutic/medical dietary orders with the hospitalist.
• Coordinates with the Nutrition Services Supervisor to ensure special diet orders (food allergies, intolerances, medical nutrition therapies, etc.) are ordered and implemented clearly and timely.
• Oversees food service which includes department personnel ensuring quality and quantity of meal service to patients, staff and visitors are adequate.
• Develops and maintains policies and procedures governing handling and storage of supplies, equipment, sanitation, recordkeeping and compliance of reporting.
• Manages personnel including developing standards of performance, assigns responsibility and accountability.
• Reviews department performance and institutes changes in techniques or procedures to improve services, simplify work flow, assure compliance with a regulatory requirements and promotes more efficient operation of the Nutrition Services Department.

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in nutrition, food service, health science or related field
Registered Dietitian (RD) preferred
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Intermittent movement throughout the hospital
Intermittent use of a keyboard
Ability to lift 30% of your body weight not to exceed 50lbs
Ability to read and understand English
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
Ability to interact with patients, families and staff in a professional manner
Ability to maintain matters of a confidential nature
Ability to remain calm in crisis situations