Dietitian

Job Summary:

The clinical dietitian is a skilled clinical, evidence-based, professional leader responsible for overall management regarding development, implementation, and coordination of nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and quality of life and management of disease. The Clinical Dietitian provides nutritional assessment, interventions and education programs to residents, their families and other health care providers. They are responsible for the quality, safety, and efficiency of all aspects of the wellness and physical functioning of the previously mentioned people in compliance with regulatory, legislative and organizational standards. The Clinical Dietitian plays a pivotal role in the delivery and evaluation of nutrition services interventions, based on the needs, wants and physical, mental, psychosocial well-being of residents, in context of resident centered care delivered in an interprofessional approach.

The Clinical Dietitian will be responsible for providing effective and efficient holistic nutrition services. Nutrition services will be aligned goals of Clinical Services and Dietary Services. They research issues and develop recommendations to resolve dietary issues for residents within Miner’s Memorial Manor.

Reporting Relationships:

The Clinical Dietitian reports to the Supervisor of Dietary and Support Services and the Director of Clinical Services and Professional Development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide nutritional assessment, management and education programs to residents, their family and other health care professionals.
• Ensure nutrition assessments are complete on new residents within 14 days of admission.
• Provide nutrition intervention(s) in accordance with evidence-based practice, guidelines and subsequent updates.
• Use the nutrition care plan process to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, monitor, evaluate and document resident care.
• Promote and maintain resident privacy and dignity.
• Approve the menu of the food that will be provided to residents.
• Be an effective resource person for residents, families, other healthcare professionals:
• Design, prepare, and deliver educational material to suit a variety of learning styles for clinical and dietary staff.
• Maintain a comprehensive supply of resource materials for resident, families and other healthcare professionals.
• Provide education to other health professionals.
• Ensure a resident centered approach:
• Aim for a resident centered holistic approach
• Work with resident, family and health professionals to develop and document a care plan, which wraps around the resident and includes all services the resident requires.
• Advocate for all residents.

• Participate in service development and quality improvement:
  • Manages workload to ensure delivery of a high quality dietetic service.
  • Participate in service development initiatives as agreed with the supervisor of dietary and support services and the Director of Clinical Services and Professional Development.
  • Assist in internal audits as appropriate.
  • Assist with developing and maintaining appropriate operational policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and participate in team development activities:
  • Work in a collaborative manner within the team.
  • Provide nutrition advice based on a research approach to practice.
  • Reflect critically upon own practice.
• Apply knowledge and skills gained from study and research:
• Maintain and develop professional competency and extend knowledge:
  • Maintain on-going professional development and clinical competence.
  • Attend programs/conferences as agreed.
  • Engage with professional organizations.
  • Will be a standing member of committee (i.e., Pharmacy Therapeutics)
• Promote health and safety:
  • Ensure that work is done in a safe environment.
  • Apply organizations health and safety policies and procedures.
• Review physical condition, physician orders, and psychological needs of residents to ensure high standards of nutritional intake.
• Consult with residents to evaluate nutritional requirements, assess food intake, and monitor acceptance.
• Conduct and implement complete nutritional assessments for all residents at nutritional risk.
• Evaluating the nutritional status of residents to aid in the prevention and treatment of inadequate nutrition.
• Compare effectiveness of dietary plans against residents’ medical progress and modify or alter plans as necessary.
• Where necessary, implement nutritional therapy intervention methods to mitigate nutritional crisis.

• Chart and document all dietary progress notes, including counselling, diet instructions given, opinions, and other comments.
  • Consult with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide information regarding residents’ dietary history.
  • Assess the need for other methods of feeding (e.g., tube feeding).
  • Educate and inform the dietary services department as necessary regarding diet therapy and nutritional requirements.
  • Provide guidance to staff regarding preparation, serving and distribution of food to residents.
• Develop comprehensive food preparation manuals, including procedural information and recipe processes.

• Instruct residents and/or family members to or legal guardians regarding dietary needs; provide instructions when necessary.
• Arrange for follow-up dietary care, as applicable, once the resident has been discharged or transferred.
• Prepare and submit statistical reports.

The dietitian also performs any assigned duties from which they are qualified.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition
• Registered license in good with the Nova Scotia Dietetic Association
• Member of Dietitians of Canada an asset
• Proficient in use of MS office applications
• Experience with developing and implementing dietetic programs
• Demonstrated ability to maintain highest level of confidentiality