Purpose of Position
To provide complete nutritional care of high priority and at risk patients, in the inpatient setting, based on preceding nutritional assessment and work cooperatively with representatives from other disciplines on nutrition-related problems or projects. To provide complete nutrition care and education to patients and/or responsible family members in various Cape Cod Hospital based outpatient and community programs.

Description
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
INPATIENT :

1. Performs nutritional assessments and nutrition screens, which are appropriate and timely per established policies and procedure.
2. Develops nutrition care plans and monitors patient response to care plan developed, utilizing the Nutrition Care Process and provides discharge diet instructions.

3. Educates patients and/or responsible family member in physician ordered diet modifications using department approved educational materials and a language interpreter when necessary.
4. Consults with Clinical Nutrition Manager and/or with other Dietitians within the department regarding care plans for patients with complex needs.
5. Makes appropriate recommendations to prescribing physician for necessary changes in diet orders, bases on results of nutritional assessment.
6. Documents provided medical nutrition therapy and education in the patient's medical record, discharge/departmental files.
7. Upholds departmental and inter-departmental protocols regarding delivery of medical nutrition therapy.
8. Acts as a professional resource person for non-professional and non-clinical employees within the department.
9. Communicates interdepartmentally with other health care professionals, as well as with community health agencies.
10. Participates in reviewing, updating and reformulating the hospital's diet manual and educational materials.
11. Participates in Performance Improvement activities and tracks clinical productivity.
12. Acts as a preceptor for nutrition students and dietetic interns.
13. Performs other job related duties as assigned.
OUTPATIENT :
1. Provide nutritional counseling services to patients and families in coordination with cardiac rehabilitation protocols and concepts.
a. Provides educational classes on various aspects of the cardiac diet, including diet modification to reduce cardiovascular risk, maintain dietary restrictions, and achieve ideal weight and provide appropriate nutrition education materials.
b. Completes comprehensive nutritional analysis.
c. Recommends referrals for further instructions for patient and family members as necessary.
d. Provides one on one private consultation with the patient and family when warranted for diet modification strategies as needed.
e. Assists program staff in monitoring patient progress toward nutritional goals.
2. Provides necessary nutrition involvement in other Cape Cod Hospital outpatient and community programs as necessary and appropriate.
3. Performs other job related duties as assigned.
Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers and co-workers in a manner that reflects Cape Cod Hospital's commitment to CARES: compassion, accountability, respect, excellence and service

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write and communication in English.
• Completion of Bachelor of Science Program from an accredited undergraduate college program in foods and nutrition followed by an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly ADA) approved dietetic internship.
• Current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic OR CDR Registration within 1 year of hire required.
• Licensure within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts within 1 year of hire required.
• Knowledge in all aspects of medical nutrition therapy.
• Good communication skills.