Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Nutrition Services Coordinator, serves as a member of the healthcare team by providing nutrition care to patients. Helps patients make menu selections. Obtains meal preferences to include likes, dislikes, and allergies and enters this data into the Diet office program. Provides nutrition education to patients to promote healthier lifestyles. Screens and refers patients to dietitians as indicated. Collaborates with other healthcare team members to coordinate patient care. Maintains professionalism by providing all services in accordance with clinical standards. Executes other related duties as assigned. Demonstrates knowledge/skills to communicate appropriately with patients, families, and visitors of all ages while being sensitive to any cultural/religious beliefs.

Performance Expectations:

• Demonstrate the ability to adhere to all FGH policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate ability to use Department software (Computrition, Epic, etc.)
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of all information pertaining to patients.
• Display a positive and professional image and attitude with patients, families and coworkers.
• Demonstrate ongoing responsibility for self-education.
• Demonstrate effective critical thinking skills and judgement capabilities.
• Demonstrate the ability to counsel patients on nutrition issues.
• Assist registered dietitian with monitoring patients who are NPO, on liquid diets, have a calorie count ordered, or as needed
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds
• Help patients understand their menu selections and work with nursing to ensure their orders comply with nutritional requirements and restrictions
• Visit patients as directed by F&N management, or when needed by diet office, as a means to improve patient satisfaction scores.
• Complete test trays and give feedback to peers.
• Demonstrate effective writing and speaking skills.
• Demonstrate active listening skills.
• Demonstrate willingness to assist in other areas as needed.
• Successfully pass monthly chart audits
• Display a positive attitude regarding constructive criticism.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

Associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in nutrition, dietetics, or food service management. Computer technical skills to operate hospital systems.

Work Experience:

Work experience preferred in a healthcare facility. Experience may be deferred for those meeting the educational qualifications

Mental Demands:

Demonstrate knowledge in the role of nutrition in health maintenance. Knowledge and application of medical terminology, pharmacology and health systems. Observes standards of practice with awareness of professional liability. Communicate effectively with dietitians, administration, other healthcare personnel, patients, and other clients while maintaining required confidentiality. Responsive and takes initiative with problem resolution. Ability to operate a computer, calculator, and a copy machine. Ability to educate patients on prescribed diets in a way that promotes understanding/change when needed.