Clinical Dietitian Specialist, Oncology--full-time, days--HUP at PCAM

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Penn Medicine is seeking a full-time, day shift Clinical Dietitian Specialist, Oncology for the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine (PCAM)

Summary:

Responsible for the nutritional care of patients in Radiation Oncology and the Abramson Cancer Center at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine (PCAM.) Functions as a professional consultant to the health care team providing high quality evidence based nutrition care for people with cancer in the ambulatory care setting. Offers expertise in the nutrition management of people with cancer including the care of patients receiving enteral and parenteral nutrition. Performs complex nutrition assessments and provides nutrition education to patients in various settings (outpatient, support groups, community). Develops specialized nutrition care plans. Represents Radiation Oncology and Patient and Family Services in multidisciplinary patient care rounds or committees for the patient populations served. Actively participates in the development and implementation of departmental education programs (continuing education, education of students and professional visitors) and quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives and outcomes projects. Evaluates, interprets and applies evidence-based practice to the delivery of nutrition care. Participates in the development of evidenced-based policies/procedure and practice guidelines. Presents lectures/in-services within UPHS and for outside professional organizations. The Clinical Dietitian Specialist demonstrates clinical leadership by participation in committees and professional organizations. The Specialist recognizes the need for practice change and assists leadership in evidence-based process changes and the dissemination of information and ongoing evaluation of a practice change. Provides nutrition care and practices as part of an interprofessional team.

Responsibilities:

• Direct Patient Care: Proficiently performs nutrition assessments, identifies nutrition diagnosis, develops nutrition interventions/plan of care, monitors and evaluates outcomes of nutrition care/interventions. Communicates with the health care team to effectively implement nutrition care plan. Applies department evidence-based practice guidelines to the routine care of patients. Demonstrates patient-centered care, compassion, sensitivity and respect in all interactions with patients, visitors and other hospital personnel. Demonstrates skills and knowledge necessary to assure that nutrition assessment, treatment and care is appropriate based on the unique chronological issues and needs of the adolescent, young adult, adult and older adult patient. Displays a commitment to research and evidence-based practice through literature review.
• Professional Performance proficiently performs the following: Provides quality services using a systematic process with identified ethics, leadership, accountability and dedicated resources. Demonstrates competence in and accepts accountability and responsibility for ensuring safe, quality practice and services. Provides safe, quality services based on patient expectations and needs and the mission, vision and values of the organization. Applies, participates in, and/or generates research to enhance practice. Demonstrates evidence-based practice which incorporates available research and information in the delivery of nutrition care. Applies knowledge and expertise in communications. Uses resources effectively and efficiently. Demonstrates leadership through strategic management of time, finances, facilities, supplies, technology, natural and human resources. Displays a high level of professional conduct at all times. Balances patient care priorities and department and/or service required activities. Is expected to balance direct patient care with clinical projects and hospital demands. Maintains patient/client confidentiality. Demonstrates teamwork by displaying a cooperative relationship with co-workers, consistently treating others with respect and using open and honest communication. Is a member of at least one professional organization.
• Clinical activities: Provides patient education as a routine intervention, in specialized groups including support groups, group education classes if applicable to area of practice. Supports public relations and media requests (publications, interviews, community outreach projects). Is expected to take a lead role in the development of department evidence-based practice guidelines related to specialized area of practice. Routinely takes ownership to update these guidelines. May participate in the review of other department guidelines. Investigates current research to address unique clinical situations. Serves as a local expert for peers within their area of practice. Expected to actively engage and initiate participation in clinical projects to support patient care/department initiatives/area of practice as approved by director. Monitors and evaluates practice of self and others to identify areas of opportunity for practice improvement, standardization, education or clinical operations improvement. Proactively address with department leadership. May represent department on a committee, leadership counsel or workgroup.
• Education: Retains registration and licensure through attainment of continuing education. Attends department education program is expected to be an active participant and serves as a presenter at department education program. May serve as a preceptor for nutrition volunteers. Participates in the development, review of teaching related modules or presentations. Takes initiative to support student shadowing experiences. Participates in the education of other health care professionals (Pharm residents, visiting scholars, medical students, RD peers) through clinical observation experiences, case presentation, lectures, special projects. Provides education to nursing staff through in-services, lectures may provide education to house staff via formal lecture.

Credentials:

• Licensed PA Dietician-Nutritionist within 6 months of hire (Required)
• Registered Dietitian by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (Required)

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• Education Specialization: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree Equivalent Experience and 3+ years of experience as a Registered Dietitian (required)
• Education Specialization: Completion of an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited didactic program in dietetics Equivalent Experience AND accredited dietetic internship program, Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP), or integrated supervised practice training to meet accreditation standards (required)

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

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We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.