Clinical Dietitian Specialist - Oregon Health & Science University

Department Overview:

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The Clinical Dietitian Specialist determines the level of nutritional risk of all patients admitted to OHSU or patients referred for medical nutrition therapy (MNT). This RD provides MNT to complex high-risk patients: including nutrition assessment, nutrition diagnosis, nutrition intervention, nutrition monitoring and evaluation and independent nutrition-related order writing without a physician co-signature. MNT will include evidence based, comprehensive nutrition care and education according to the nutrition care process; to promote healing and aid in the prevention of infection/complications.

Function/Duties of Position:

• Responsible for the comprehensive medical nutrition therapy for OHSU patients on assigned patient care units. Develops nutrition care plans to manage nutrition therapy for acute and chronic diseases, prevents complications, reduces morbidity and mortality. Evaluates nutrition status, diagnoses nutrition related problems including malnutrition, completes nutrition focused physical exam (NFPE), and evaluates treatment in line with the patient’s goals of care and history. Independently writes nutrition-related orders (diet/tube feedings/parenteral nutrition; vitamins and minerals and other nutrients; nutrition supplements; nutrition related biochemistries). Monitors progress of patients on implemented nutrition plans, documents all aspects of care in EPIC/interdisciplinary care plan.

• Develops and provides nutrition education for patients transitioning to home, to a care facility, or a home health agency on a specialized nutrition program or nutrition support.

• Communicates patient nutrition needs and progress to the health care team through charted progress notes, participation in service/unit and discharge rounds.

• Develops education experiences, including precepting dietetic interns and new team members. Updates nutrition clinical guidelines for assigned units/practice specialties. Teaches and mentors residents and other healthcare professionals. Completes research, teaching/education and service requirements to maintain specialist credential.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree with specialization in dietetics, nutrition, institution management, or a closely-related field and completion of a pre-planned professional experience in dietetics at a facility approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

• Clinical Dietetic experience in an acute care facility. Years of practice to meet the requirements of Clinical Dietitian Specialist

• Must be proficient in the nutrition care process; determine the nutrient requirements of the adult inpatient to ensure adequate nutrient intake and/or replacement of nutrients loss secondary to medical condition; determine the nutrient make-up of patients meal patterns and medications (dosage and timing) that affect nutrient and/or drug bioavailablity; diagnose malnutrition (competent in Nutrition Focused Physical Exam) and recommend and administer medical nutrition therapy to improve digestion, absorption and metabolism of nutrients; make recommendations concerning adjustment medications that relate to nutrition, in order to promote increased well-being of the patient, maintenance of acceptable blood chemistries, increased bioavailability of drugs, decreased hospitalization days, and cost-effectiveness of regimens.

• Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)

• Licensed Dietitian in the state of Oregon

• The specialist must have documentation of successful completion of a specialty certification examination and maintain requirements for maintaining specialist credential. In some circumstances a 1-year window to maintain a specialist credential via a specialty certification examination may be extended.

• Compliance with Code of Conduct, Respect in the workplace and Applicable policies, procedures and agreements related to position, department or OHSU as a whole

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS in Nutrition or related field
• 1 year clinical experience in an acute care facility

Additional Details:

Pay Range: $43.60 - $59.87 per hour

• Day Shift may vary to support clinic and departmental needs, Mon - Fri; weekend and holiday rotation. Shares office and desk space with >10 other dietitians/dietetic technician registered and/or other health professionals. Position may involve telework/hybrid per manager discretion related to core job function and service area needs.
• Must be able to carry up to 15# (one case of formula); must be able to walk long distances between buildings; must be able to stand, sit, and change positions through out the day; must be able to use computers, calculators, skin fold calipers, stadiometer, scale. Must be comfortable performing physical assessment of patients. Position may involve opportunity for some telework.

All are welcome:Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.