The Dietitian oversees patient diets in accordance with physician orders and ensures nutritional adequacy of patient menus. Conducts Nutritional assessments and monitoring per DNV guidelines. Conducts nutrition education and in-service education to meet the needs of patients and staff. Assesses patient's nutritional status and establishes goals for each patient within 72 hours of admission. Provides appropriate educational in-service to dietary and nursing departments. Communicates with all appropriate disciplines information regarding patient care regularly. Participates in patient team conferences. Participates on appropriate committees as appointed. Evaluates and approve patient menus and approves modified diets. Instruct patients and their families on the nutritional needs at home and appropriate ways to achieve these as ordered by the physician. Educates patient/family on food/drug interactions and documents appropriate notation of such in the patient medical record. Documents all pertinent information regarding the patient's nutritional care in the patient's medical record in a timely and consistent manner. Assists in planning and conducting appropriate performance improvement. Develops and maintains department policies and procedures. Operates within set departmental budget and implements cost-saving procedures. Correlates dietary needs with laboratory findings consistently. Collaborates with physicians regarding nutritional needs and suggestions. Closely monitors patient weight to ensure goals of gain or loss are achieved. Recommends and/or assists with specific nutritional patient measurements to evaluate more specific goals, i.e., calorie counts, pre-albumin/albumin monitoring, etc. Allots extra time and problem-solving to children who fail to thrive, are picky eaters, have digestive problems, etc., to improve nutritional status. Ensures flexibility and creativity in methods developed to assist children in eating. Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION
Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics or related degree Master's degree preferred
EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of clinical experience, pediatrics preferred
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
Licensed Dietitian in the state of Texas Registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration