Registered Dietitian-Per Diem

Responsibilities

Evidenced Based Clinical Practice

Assess the nutritional status of inpatients and as necessary, outpatients at very high or high risk. This includes:  history; lab review and interpretation; nutrition focused physical exam including but not limited to: heights, weights, skin folds and head measurements; medication analysis; disease analysis and educational needs of the patient and caregivers/family.

Develop, document and implement the nutritional plan based on the assessment results.

Participate in interdisciplinary team rounds to promote nutritional care. 

Serve as a community resource, especially for home care and area pediatricians.

Education/Life Long Learning

Provide education and counseling to caregivers, pediatric patients, and their families.

Provide education to MD's, RN's and other disciplines as needed. 

Round with physicians to provide advice, monitor patient status and make adjustments to therapy as needed.

Provide guidance and instruction to diet technicians and nutrition assistants.

Serve as a mentor/trainer for new staff and dietetic interns. 

Process Improvement

Participates fully in all department QI activities and maintains monthly stats and reports. Complete interdisciplinary chart audits and peer reviews. 

Identify clinical safety issues and/or department business or efficiency issues and communicate to appropriate stakeholders. 

Clinical Leadership and Expertise

Participate in developing and implementing practice protocols to provide continuous quality improvement in all aspects of nutritional therapy. Participate in hospital research as requested. 

Keep up-to-date on research in nutrition and educate staff and students on nutritional issues; act as a preceptor for students in nutrition.

Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from pre-term neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice.  Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.

Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Children's Medical Center Standards.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides supervision, guidance and instruction to dietetic technicians, nutrition assistants and dietetic interns. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION REQUIRED

Bachelor or Masters of Science in Nutrition or completion of Didactic Program in Dietetics in accordance with Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics leading to registration eligibility. 

Position Specific Experience

Two to Five years pediatric experience preferred.

Position Specific Job License and/or Certification Required

American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider required within 6 months of hire. 

Registered Dietitian (R.D.) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics preferred and required within 6 months of hire. 

CT State Certification (CD-N) is required on hire, exception is new grad required within 6 months of hire.

Registration eligibility is that established by the Committee on Dietetic Registration and may include Completion of an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics along with 

•Accredited Dietetic Internship Program

OR

 •Accredited Coordinated Program

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES  REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Medical Nutrition Therapy in accordance with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics standards. 

Medical Terminology.

Drug Nutrient Interactions.

Pediatric genetic/metabolic disease states. 

SKILLS:

Proficiency with electronic health and medical records, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Access programs. 

ABILITY TO:

Accurate Keyboarding abilities and math skills required.

Work Environment:

office's, medical/surgical/intensive care UNITS, clinics. 

foot/motor vehicle travel MAY BE REQUIRED BETWEEN SITES/CLINICS. 

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team.