Status:  Full Time

Shift:     Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm

Exempt: Yes 

Summary:

The Outpatient Dietitian performs a variety of specialized duties related to the nutrition counseling of patients and families for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) diet education. This may include but are not limited to diabetes education, weight management, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, malnutrition, obesity, infants with failure to thrive, cancer and nutrition therapy, gastrointestinal disorders and nutrition therapy, sports nutrition, and food allergies. The Outpatient Dietitian may also be required to assess outpatients receiving home tube feedings and make appropriate recommendations. The outpatient dietitian will also be responsible to collaborate with Diabetes Education in the care plan of patients and teaching classes. 

Other information:

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL:

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications Required:

1. Possession of current Registered Dietitian license from the State of Louisiana and registration from the commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR) for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

2. Demonstrated experience in weight management and nutrition counseling.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Ability to work independently, as well as with a wide variety of staff members of varying education and cultures.

· Counseling and educational training for individual and group work.

· Ability to troubleshoot problems associated with special needs, such as seniors, families, low-income patients, clinical conditions, and associated co-morbidities.

· Maintenance of effective relationships with other health care professionals, when sharing patients.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent customer service skills. 

· Knowledge of menu planning and the conversion of nutrient recommendations into food and menus.

Manual or Physical Skill Required:

Must have legible handwriting. Must have basic computer skills.

1. Physical Effort Required:

Strength: Light

Push: Occasionally

Pull: Occasionally

Carry: Occasionally

Lift: Occasionally

Sit: Occasionally

Stand: Frequently

Walk: Frequently

Responsibilities:

1. Obtains the patient’s weight, height, and past medical history as it pertains to MNT. This is

documented in the Electronic Health Record.

2. Interviews patients / families which may include obtaining a diet history, exercise habits,

reviewing emotional/social issues as part of the diet counseling process and documents any

pertinent information obtained in the Electronic Health Record.

3. Makes appropriate referrals to other services, such as the Diabetes Educator, Social

Services or various Food Assistance Programs as indicated.

4. Counsels patients / families on medical nutrition / diet therapy principles and restrictions.

5. Utilizes available medical nutrition therapy education materials or obtains them from

reputable sources such as the Nutrition Care Manual.

6. In the case of home tube feeding patients, evaluates nutrient requirements, evaluates the

current tube feeding regimen and provides recommendations for appropriate adjustments in

terms of the type of formula, rate and water flushes and possible need for additional

vitamins or mineral supplements to the patient’s primary care provider via telephone or fax.

7. Documents the nutrition counseling session in the Electronic Health Record on the

appropriate Outpatient Dietitian templates.

8. Schedules or reschedules outpatient nutrition counseling appointments as needed and time

permits.

9. Develops and updates Nutrition Education patient materials.

10. Assists in projects to increase patient referrals as needed and time permits.

11. Performs duties as assigned to implement Employee Nutrition program.

12. Work with inpatient hospital staff on nutrition and diabetes related issues as needed and

time permits.

13. Collaborate with referring providers for continuity of care.

14. Other duties as assigned.

15. Follows North Oaks Health System's compliance programs and all federal and state regulatory guidelines.