Registered Dietitian

SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, the Registered Dietitian (RD) implements the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) through the completion of comprehensive nutrition assessments, determination of the nutrition diagnosis, development and implementation of evidence-based nutrition intervention(s), and evaluation of participant progress. The nutrition assessment can include, but is not limited to, identification and documentation of malnutrition and morbid obesity, evaluation for food insecurity, motivation for changing behaviors, and development of individualized goals and interventions for participants with complex medical conditions. The RD is responsible for providing evidence-based medical nutrition therapy to participants and caregivers with varying levels of nutrition risk. The RD is a required and integral member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and demonstrates ability to collaborate with all members of the IDT.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

Participant Care

Nutrition Assessment

• Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment at the time of enrollment and semi-annually thereafter according to CMS guidelines.
• Utilizes screening tools and applies tools in effective ways.
• Utilizes medical history, laboratory data, medications, anthropometric measurements, and diet history to assess nutritional status.
• Performs nutrition focused physical exam (NFPE) during assessments on participants to determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition when indicated.
• Evaluates psychosocial, functional, and behavioral factors related to food access, selection, preparation; physical activity; and understanding of health condition.
• Evaluates participant and family’s knowledge, readiness to make changes towards positive outcomes, and motivation for changing behaviors.
• Collaborates with other IDT members or other healthcare professional when indicated.

Nutrition Diagnosis

• Finds patterns and possible causes for the nutrition problem.
• Documents the nutrition diagnostic statement in PES (problem, etiology, and signs/symptoms) and provides supporting evidence within the documentation.

Nutrition Intervention

• Formulates and determines individualized interventions focused on the etiology of the problem.
• Assesses educational needs and provides individualized nutrition education and counseling based on the individual, including nutrient requirements, knowledge and abilities, and medical, economic, and social situation.
• Coordinates nutrition plan of care with the IDT team and other healthcare professionals when indicated.

Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation

• Utilizes monitoring and evaluation techniques that consider participants nutrition needs as well as cultural, religious, and ethnic concerns.
• Evaluates the effectiveness and measures progress toward outcomes of nutrition interventions.
• Monitors participants to be identified at high nutritional risk and provides timely follow up based on department criteria and clinical judgement.

Documentation, Coordination of Care, and Compliance

Documentation

• The RD is responsible for completing documentation that is relevant, accurate, and timely in the participant’s electronic medical record in accordance with standards set forth by CMS, PACE SEMI, and the department leader.

Coordination of Care and Compliance

• The RD participates in Care Plan meetings as a required member of the interdisciplinary team.
• The RD is responsible for effectively communicating the plan of care with the interdisciplinary team as well as other healthcare providers as warranted.
• The RD understands, complies with, and promotes the Participant Bill of Rights and works to achieve high levels of participant satisfaction.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• A professional level of knowledge such as that required though the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field.
• Completion of a dietetics program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
• Successful completion of the registration exam as set forth by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Michigan does not require licensure for dietitians at this time.
• Preferred (1) year of experience working with aging adults.
• Establish and maintain interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships.
• Ability to apply principles of adult learning in organizing educational activities; including one-to-one teaching participants and caregivers as well as peer education formally or informally in settings such as department huddles, peer documentation reviews, and IDT/PCT in-services.
• Requires a professional level of analytical skills in order problem solve and develop viable interventions.
• Completion of annual department competencies.
• Participates in and/or facilitates quality improvement projects resulting from data analysis. Ensures compliance to departmental and external standards in the provision of quality focused care by attendance of professional meetings/committees and/or review of national standards of practice.
• Participation in various committees as assigned.
• Participates in annual, mandatory, in-service training and screening, including but limited to: infection control, TB testing, safety training, and BLS training.
• Must be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up-to-date before engaging in direct participant contact.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working conditions are variable with exposure to communicable disease, due to participant environment.
• Driving is required within PACE of Southeast Michigan catchment area, with possible exposure to extreme temperatures, including heat and cold.
• Frequent walking, bending, lifting of forty (40) pounds or more may be needed in the performance of duties.