Clinical Dietitian - Inpatient Adult, Full-Time, Days - Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Clinical Dietitian reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organizations Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. 

Responsibilities:

• The Clinical Dietitian evaluates nutrition parameters and selects appropriate therapies to restore or maintain optimal nutrition status. 
• Utilize clinical assessment skills to order (prescribe)/initiate, implement, or modify orders for diet or nutrition related actions in collaboration with patients health care teams and in accordance to hospital privileging. 
• The clinical dietitian collaborates with the health care team to provide high quality, cost effective nutrition care through advanced clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.
•  Demonstrates strong nutrition knowledge and clinical skills in caring for patients of various acuities and complexities 
• Demonstrates skills needed to order and prescribe, or recommend nutrition 
• Utilizes evidence based knowledge and protocols appropriate to patient populations and diagnoses 
• Serves as a resource for nursing, medical staff and students 
• Confers and collaborates with health care team in the comprehensive care of patients
•  Develops appropriate education systems for patients, families, and staff 
• Trains staff and students in aspects of nutrition and patient care. 
•  Actively participates in QAPI Specific Performance Standards  

Essential Functions:

• Clinical Assessment of patients, including but not limited to medical diagnosis and history, lab values, diet history, medication, and other medical information to determine patient nutritional status, and appropriate plan of care and nutrition interventions
•  Plan and prescribe appropriate nutrition therapy within scope of expertise and privileging for desired patient outcome 
• Identify and initiate appropriate nutritional interventions: 
• Collaborate with healthcare team to align interventions with goals of care
• Prescribe appropriate nutritional therapy in accordance with specified privileges 
• Therapeutic diet, nutrition related labs, nutritional supplements, enteral support, par entrtal support with common additives, including but not limited to electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and insulin
• Interpret data regarding pharmacotherapy 
• Select appropriate feeding route and enteral/par enteral formula, including additional modulars 
• Teaches and counsels patients and families on appropriate nutrition therapy for disease state or prevention and wellness, desired outcomes and behavior objectives
•  Evaluates effectiveness of intervention therapies and modifies treatment and interventions as needed. Measures may include anthropometrics, changes in medical condition, and tolerance to therapies 
• Collaborates with home care providers/DMEs for prescribed nutritional support 
• Attends medical rounds in areas of practice 
• Documents in the medical record all care provided
•  Consults with other disciplines as appropriate 
• Directs patients to appropriate follow up care when needed 
• Identifies and documents billable nutrition diagnosis with proper documentation 
• Provides nutrition services to outpatient areas where applicable 
• Confirms diagnosis for Medical Nutrition Therapy 
• Documents as required to maximize reimbursement using EPIC in outpatient areas 
• Enters appropriate billing codes for patient visit 
• Develops and presents community education programs and works with marketing and media as assigned. 
• Integrates research and evidence based knowledge into clinical expertise and decision making 
• Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation 
• Advocates for patients, families, coworkers, community and nutrition professionals. 
• Serves as a patient advocate and role model for Patients First 
• Participates in department and/or organization committees and task forces 
• Identifies areas for quality monitoring and process improvement, and actively participates in project. 
• Provides comprehensive teaching strategies for patients and families 
• Precepts dietetic interns/graduate students and other staff 
• Provides formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to area of specialty. 
• Actively participates in research opportunities 
• Assists in Nutrition Day research

Required:

• Bachelors of Science in Nutrition/Dietetics and completion of the required nutrition classes to be eligible for and complete a Dietetic Internship as approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/Commission on Dietetic Registration. 
• Current registration as a Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetics 
• Current license as a Registered Dietitian with the State of Illinois 
• Meets all organizational and department competencies for position and privileges 

Preferred: 

•  Masters degree in Nutrition or related field with 1year of clinical practice

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Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.