Dietitian

RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. Routinely visits the center and the frequency of visits are to be determined by the complexity of the nutritional program;
2. Assesses the nutritional status of customers inclusive of lab value interpretation, consumption patterns, weight maintenance, food/drug interactions, dietary compliance, customer independence, and overall customer well being;
3. Performs assessments routinely on new admissions, monthly for customers at nutritional risk, and as needed for care conferences and specific problem customers. Assessments must include recommended intervention and appropriate dialogue to the Food Service Director, Nursing Services and Administration;
4. Ensures appropriate documentation of nutritional assessment and recommended intervention in the customer chart and/or care plan; reviews the documentation of others regarding nutritional concerns and responds appropriately;
5. Reviews menu changes and documentation of reason of change;
6. Maintains two-way communication with center Administrator, Food Service Director, and Nursing Services;
7. Reviews customer care plans prior to customer care conferences and advises regarding nutritional concerns;
8. Addresses appropriate nutritional concerns with all members of the nutrition support team inclusive of the Food Service Director, Nursing Services, Pharmacy Consultant, Speech Therapist and Occupational Therapist;
9. Gives diet instruction for specific customers;
10. Performs other assignments, as requested and approved by the Administrator, inclusive of: menu revision, meal service assessment, policy and procedure review, sanitation assessment, inservice participation (either as an instructor or a student), Food Service Director training, Dietary Staff training, etc.;
11. Ensures that the policies and procedures for assessing client changes are adhered to;
12. Concerns his/herself with the safety of all nursing center customers in order to minimize the potential for fire and accidents. Also, ensures that the center adheres to the legal, safety, health, fire and sanitation codes by being familiar with his/her role in carrying out the center's fire, safety and disaster plans and by being familiar with current MSDS;
13. Puts Customer Service First: Ensures that customers and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals' needs and rights;
14. Performs other duties as requested.

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