Clinical Dietitian - Temporary

Primary Function

Coordinate all phases of the nutrition care process (NCP) for Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) patients including care planning of hospitalized patients, nursing home residents, and outpatients in a variety of settings including the CIH outlying clinics. Perform duties in support of and in compliance with performance improvement plans, standards of the CIHA, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and other licensing, accrediting, and regulatory agencies under the direct supervision of the clinical nutrition manager.

Position Description:

• Provide nutrition services and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to integrate with the patient's medical goals.
• Evaluate, interpret, document, and monitor the nutritional status and needs of hospitalized patients, nursing home residents, and out-patients using established policies and practice guidelines. Communicate appropriate dietary history and nutritional care data through the electronic health record (EHR).  
• Identify and provide age-specific nutrition interventions to meet the cultural and lifestyle needs of patients and their families. Education and counseling are provided to patients in the hospital setting, outpatient integrated care teams (ICTs), and via telehealth modalities.

• Inpatient dietitian will work closely with the dietary department to provide quality food service in compliance with JCAHO and other applicable guidelines.  Including but not limited to technical consultations and staff training.  

• Develop, review, update, and implement educational materials to meet the needs of patients and professionals.
• Write orders for diet, supplement, enteral nutrition and laboratory data per hospital policy. Communicate with provider when dietary changes needed.
• Function as an integral member of the health care team.
• Precept dietetic interns (including written and oral evaluations) and provide on-the-job training for newly hired nutrition staff.
• Comply with Nutrition Department meeting and attendance standards.
• Collaborate with Nursing Services to provide quality care in compliance with JCAHO and other applicable guidelines.
• Provides coverage in all areas of the department as needed and/or assigned  

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree required, preferably in nutrition unless grandfathered in by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.                                                                                     
• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition meeting requirement for registration by The Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) and recognized by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). 
• Successful completion of either a coordinated undergraduate program in Dietetics or a Dietetic Internship approved by the Academy.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)-credential through the CDR. Must be current and non-probationary status with professional education documented per the Professional Development Portfolio.
• Licensed Dietitian. Must be licensed to practice in the state of North Carolina (or must be able to immediately obtain).
• Applicants who are new graduates must have a NC Provisional license from the North Carolina Board of Nutrition and Dietetics in order to work as an entry level dietitian until they get their RD.   A provisional license (PLDN) is the license required if you have completed both a regionally accredited academic program, as well as a board approved internship but have not yet taken or passed the Commission on Dietetic Registration examination for RDNs.  A provisionally licensed dietitian/nutritionist must work under the supervision of an LDN or LN, and acquire a signed statement of this as part of the application process.  Applicants will be given 90 days to take the Dietetic Registration exam and upgrade their license upon passing their exam.  

Job Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge and understanding of evidence-based and best practices in MNT- including familiarity with the NCP and Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Knowledge and experience in performing nutrition focused physical exams (NFPE)
• Thorough understanding of educational concepts for all age groups and ability to develop, implement, and evaluate nutrition care plans.
• Assume responsibility for professional development including required continuing education to maintain competency and completion of assigned hospital provided modules.
• Ability to design, implement, and evaluate nutrition programs and services.

• Broad range of knowledge and clinical skills in the field of MNT, knowledge of cultural differences, knowledge of latest studies and practices in primary care/MNT integration.

• Must take into account diverse educational needs for various age groups, literacy levels, and cultural background.
• Ability to work within a team framework in a variety of settings and promote a collaborative environment
• Good time management skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• A working knowledge of the principles and practices of performance improvement (PI).
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (orally, and in writing) with individuals and groups. 
• Possess understanding of JCAHO standards with regards to nutritional counseling and has the ability to comply with these standards in both a hospital and outpatient setting.
• Moderate computer skills required: Word processing, spreadsheet and database management, electronic mail and internet use.  Previous exposure to these types of programs will facilitate rapid familiarity with the CIHA computer-based Resource/Patient Management System (RPMS).
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Complexity of Duties:

• Requires a broad knowledge of the pathophysiology of many chronic and acute disease states common to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian (EBCI) community.
• Must have a mastery of the dietetic and lifestyle interventions necessary to prevent or treat complications of chronic or acute disease states.
• Understands organizational dynamics, communication networks, formal and informal leadership, and decision-making process.  May be elected or appointed to serve on one more functional or organizational hospital and/or community-based committees, partnerships, teams, and/or associations.
• Expected to facilitate and enhance a positive working relationship with multiple community-based EBCI organizations outside of the CIHA.  
• Must possess knowledge, skills, and administrative functions necessary to provide clinical care, individual and group education, and meet objectives of multiple standards of care used within the CIHA healthcare system.

Supervision Received:

• General supervision is provided by the Clinical Nutrition Manager; however, the Clinical Dietitian is responsible for maintaining up-to-date knowledge and expertise in MNT and Nutrition education.

Responsibility for Accuracy:

• This position functions with a high degree of independence.  Errors could have adverse effects on the physical health of individuals and on the administration of the Nutrition program. Lack of administrative accuracy could result in negative JCAHO or regulatory implications.

Contacts with Others:

• Consistently in contact with patients, patient family members, and staff from multiple departments or programs, fostering an environment of teamwork and professionalism.
• Works closely with the dietary, nursing, behavioral health, social work, and medical departments in order to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.

Confidential Data:

• The incumbent shall maintain complete confidentiality of any pertinent information that comes to his/her attention or knowledge.  The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) carries both civil and criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure or knowledge.  May have access to EHR and to restricted departments (i.e., Medical Records, Pharmacy, etc.).

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers including staff, who are our internal customers, by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values.  Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers/staff by seeking out opportunities to be of service.