Dietitian (Clinical)

Clinical Dietitians coordinate nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's caregiver and the community. Clinical Dietitians learn to interpret research, apply whole health principles and develop patient centered goals. They collaborate with the Food Operations Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience and ensure patient satisfaction.

This position serves the outpatient Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and is in an ambulatory setting.

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE Conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition focused physical examinations, to establish a nutrition diagnosis and determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition. Develops and implements Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to address the nutrition diagnosis, evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcomes of MNT interventions. Modifies the plan as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes. Documents MNT in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format.

Calculates nutrition requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions, tailoring the diet prescription to each individual patient. Identifies patients in need of nutritional support and recommends the appropriate mode of support and communicates appropriately with the health care team. Actively participates in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.

Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups that is tailored to the Veteran(s). Maintains productivity standards. Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems.

Participates in service-level strategic planning and implementation of new initiatives, policies, procedures, and goals. Supports service-level performance improvement activities to include development of measures, data collection, data evaluation, and initiation corrective actions. Complies with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care.

Serves as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Operations Section. May perform other related duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, Flexible Compressed/Flexible: Available with service's authorization.

Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 99529S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized