Clinical Dietitian - Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH)

Detailed Overview

Reporting clinically to the Dietitian Practice Leader, provides dietetic practice in accordance with patient / client needs consistent with established departmental standards, policies and procedures for an assigned location.

Responsibilities Determines appropriate nutrition intervention through physician / health team referral or risk screening for the assigned patient population;

assesses the patient / client''s current status and determines the goals of medical / nutritional therapy by reviewing charts, interviewing patients or family, or through discussion with the interdisciplinary team.

• Develops and implements a patient / client care plan based on information received from multiple sources which may include the patients' chart, the patient, family or interdisciplinary team;
• documents care plan according to departmental standards. Evaluates the effectiveness of the intervention through patient / client observation, reviewing biochemical parameters and discussion with the patient or interdisciplinary team;
• makes care plan adjustments as required. Contributes to the Dietetic Internship Program by providing educational support and constructive evaluation in the assigned area(s), as required by site and program needs;

provides educational sessions to interdisciplinary team, allied health professionals, medical staff and the community; advocates for the role of nutrition in health promotion, prevention and intervention.

Acts as a resource in the area of medical / nutritional interventions to the interdisciplinary team, allied health care professionals, students and the community.

• Participates in the continuous improvement of clinical practice guidelines for the department; participates with the interdisciplinary team in the development of clinical pathways as appropriate;
• develops nutrition education materials and contributes to other quality initiatives. Communicates nutrition care plan to all areas of the Food & Nutrition Services;
• supports departmental guidelines for food selection and menu modification; participates in department initiatives such as menu revisions, enteral contracts and nutrition audits;
• acts as a liaison between patient care areas and the department. Participates and collaborates on approved departmental and multidisciplinary research projects, clinical trials, and surveys;

provides input into the planning and formulation of research questions; collects data, integrates and interprets data and recommends and identifies implications of study findings for dietetic practice as required.

Develops clinical indicators for area of practice; maintains statistics and completes documentation for assigned area; provides input into program and departmental strategic planning for area of practice.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor of Science (BSc) program in Nutrition from an approved educational institution and successful completion of an approved dietetic internship program.

Current registration in the College of Dietitians of British Columbia. Valid BC Driver''s License and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes, as required.

Skills and Abilities Knowledge of current dietetic practice, standards, clinical protocols, current developments and research Ability to develop effective patient care plans Ability to provide effective consultation Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing Ability to deal effectively with others Ability to develop and maintain rapport with patients, families, caregivers and staff Ability to work independently and as a member of a team Ability to plan, implement, problem-solve, organize and prioritize work Ability to operate related equipment including applicable software applications Physical ability to perform the duties of the position