Nutrition Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Under (general/direct supervision of Diabetic Education Coordinator, functions as an instructional staff and team member for the Diabetes Self-Management Learning Program (DSMLP). Provides nutritional needs assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of medical nutrition therapy for individuals in the diabetes program and participates in program functions and activities. Provides medical nutrition therapy through a process of nutritional assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patients with non-diabetes related diagnosis. Participates in planning, presenting and evaluating health promotion community events and programs.

Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience.  Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care. 

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assesses patients’ nutritional and learning needs and, if appropriate, caregiver learning needs, using lab values, one-on-one interview, physician orders and guidelines, written self-assessment and other information as available and appropriate.
2. For patients being seen individually, develops an instructional plan and individualized meal plan based on assessed nutritional and learning needs.
3. For patients in group classes, develops an individualized meal plan based on the assessed learning needs.
4. Instructs patients/caregivers on the meal plan individually or in group class using education resources and tools and teaching principals, methods and strategies appropriate to the age and learning abilities of the patient(s).
5. Assesses patient/caregiver learning and revises the instructional plan and teaching strategies as needed to enhance learning.
6. Uses behavior change principles and strategies to assist patients in setting behavior change goals.
7. As needed, assesses the need for referrals to other agencies, services and programs to meet needs outside the scope of the DNCC and provides appropriate contact information to patients/caregivers.
8. Documents teaching and learning in appropriate records and according to hospital, program and regulatory agency policies, requirements and guidelines.
9. Works collaboratively with the diabetes program nurse educators through written documentation in the patient’s record, informal conferences, team teaching and other methods as appropriate to enhance patient learning.
10. Communicates patient/caregiver learning needs and progress to the physician and other individuals as needed through documentation in the patient’s record, telephone contact, e-mail and progress notes/letters as appropriate.
11. Participates in Diabetes SMLP instructor meetings and serves as an active member of the Diabetes SMLP Advisory Committee.
12. Follows DNCC policies and operating instructions.
13. Follows procedures and processes to meet SMLP goals and objectives and completion of CQI projects through data collection and maintenance of program certification and regulatory standards.
14. Maintains current registry with the Commission of Dietary Registry (CDR) and provides annual documentation to Coordinator.
15. Maintains current Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) status or is knowledgeable of the requirements to become a CDE and is taking steps to write the CDE examination when eligible. Is knowledgeable of and meets continuing education requirements for CDR, CDE and SMLP status including hours and content needed.
16. Demonstrates job related aspects of patient safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.
17. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards of care, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, standards of behavior and the code of ethical behavior.
18. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served on his/her assigned unit. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit’s and division’s policies and procedures. (See attached for specific age ranges of patients served.).
19. Coordinate with RN Coordinator and Endo staff to provide support services as needed
20. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  Performs other duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

1. Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from an accredited institution is required
2. Must maintain a current registry with the Commission on Dietetic Registration or be registry eligible
3. Must be Certified Diabetes Educator or be in the process of meeting the requirements to write the CDE examination
4. Current certification in Basic Life Support required

EXPERIENCE

1. Two years clinical experience related to diabetes and non-diabetes medical nutrition therapy is required
2. Prior experience as a diabetes educator in an in-patient or out-patient setting is preferred
3. Prior experience in individual and group out-patient counseling is desired

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis.  Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

1. Sedentary Work:  Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch.  On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend.  Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.  May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
2. Vision:  Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.  Near acuity:  Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.  Midrange Acuity:  Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
3. Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms.  Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
4. Speaking/Hearing:  Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

1. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
2. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

1. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
2. Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.