Nutritionist

Position Summary

The Nutritionist is a professional care provider who assumes responsibility and accountability for assessing CCT patients' nutritional needs and risks. The CCT Nutritionist plans and implements diets and nutritional formulas, provides education for patients, their families or care providers. This position provides an integral role as a member of the inter-disciplinary team whose purpose is to improve the ability of patients designated as high risk to maintain and improve their health and avoid preventable hospitalizations and re-hospitalization 24/7. The CCT Nutritionist, with the assistance of the CCT members and health coaches, will ensure continuity and coordination of care across transitions, including hospital/community facility to home. The CCT Nutritionist will assist in the operation of the Department as assigned. The CCT Nutritionist will work with the community, Hospital, its medical staff, and the HEDIS lead to keep patients healthy by filling care gaps, ensuring support during transitions of care. The CCT Nutritionist will also assist in leading and organizing community events and new initiatives that support and engage community members/programs to provide new support systems for the patients and families of Nashville. The CCT Nutritionist will assume 24/7 accountability with the CCT Director as needed to support the team and the patients needing care.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition Required.
• Has completed a Dietetic Internship or an equivalent accredited professional experience
• Has passed the national registration exam and maintained the RD status by meeting continuing education requirements

Experience:

• Two years' experience in a clinical setting at an accredited hospital is preferred
• Knowledge of the Human growth and development cycle necessary for assessment and nutritional intervention of patients ranging from Neonate/Infant to Geriatrics
• Computer skills with proficiency in Electronic Health Record, Microsoft Products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access and PowerPoint)
• Understanding of health care disparity issues, financial interventions, and the ability to interact with patients and families of diverse cultural backgrounds

Certifications:

• Actively registered dietitian accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Licensed by the State of Tennessee to practice as a Dietitian/Nutritionist

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assessment and documentation of patient nutritional needs, plans and implements patient's diet
• Screen patients at admission by set criteria to identify specific nutritional needs. Interviews patients to elicit diet history, food preferences and intakes.
• Collects, monitors and records lab data applicable to patient nutritional needs/assessments
• Verifies accuracy of Physician orders and calculations to meet patient nutritional needs throughout hospitalization
• Document individual patient assessments with identified goals, plan of care, and needs at discharge as known
• Interprets nutritional assessment data into appropriate plans for enteral (tube) feedings or Parenteral (TPN) goals to meet patient nutritional needs
• Plans meal patterns with consideration of patient's preferences, socio-economic background, tolerance, chewing a/o swallowing difficulties, food allergies, and medical nutritional needs
• Assess and recommend appropriate nutritional supplements for in home use
• Communicates to patient a/o caregivers the dietary needs considering: medical diagnosis, education level, socio-economic situation, age, disabilities, family support and language barriers
• Assigned caseload of patients qualifying for Food Pharmacy services, ensures patient navigation is implemented. Conducts initial nutritional assessment and reassessments as per patient's needs.
• Uses appropriate language of choice materials and utilizes the hospital interpreters as needed
• Counsels and instructs patient in manner to assure confidentiality
• Concurrently documents in the electronic medical record
• Participates in continuing education for patients. Conducts patient education classes. Assures appropriate teaching materials are consistent and up to date with standards of practice referrals
• Ability to work as a part of an inter-disciplinary team with primary care physicians and other clinician's in a professional manner
• Collects Data and prepares monthly reports in a timely manner
• Flexibility in work schedule to provide 24/7 coverage as needed to the CCT
• Ability to travel to patient homes and physician offices
• Ability to adapt to evolving goals and requirements and to test new approaches to improved patient care
• Displays evidence of excellent leadership skills along with verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Displays critical thinking and clinical problem solving skills
• Ability to use independent judgment and compassion when carrying out task
• Familiarity with local, regional, state and national support/advocacy organizations that provides assistance and services to CCT patients
• Participates in continuing education as required to maintain credentials and to enhance knowledge and skills

Other Assigned Duties (performance of these duties include but are not limited to)

Physical Requirement(s)

• Talking
  • Continual

• Seeing
  • Continual

• Hearing
  • Continual

• Standing
  • Frequent

• Walking
  • Frequent

• Pushing/Pulling - 1-25 lbs
  • Occasional

• Lifting - 1-25 lbs
  • Occasional

• Carrying - 1-25 lbs
  • Occasional

• Sitting
  • Occasional

• Balancing/Climbing
  • Occasional

May be Exposed to:

• Housekeeping/cleaning/agents/chemicals
• Infectious and Contagious diseases
• Patient contact
• Complex and difficult situations