Registered Dietitian - Walpole HealthCare

Job Overview Summary:   

The Registered Dietitian is responsible for the planning and implementation of the nutrition care of the patients in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local standards and regulations, clinical guidelines, and policies and procedures.  They provide oversight in coordination with the Culinary Services Manager to ensure that safe and accurate food service is provided to the patients. 

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described below. 

Functions: 

Leadership 

• Completes annual competency testing per company requirements and maintains professional growth and development portfolio to maintain registration and licensure/certification 
• Performs job based on applicable federal, state, and local regulations, company policies and procedures, and evidenced based clinical guidelines 
• Performs job within defined Scope of Practice per CDR (credential agency for Registered Dietitians)  
• As needed, participates in developing and implementing policies and procedures related to nutrition care of the patient 
• Participates in the Facility’s Performance Improvement program by conducting, aggregating, trending, and acting on data for key clinical nutrition indicators  
• Participates in QAPI department plan if specific to dietary and nutrition.  Monthly reports are presented to the committee as per facility policy 
• Monitors quality assurance in kitchen by ensuring quality measure are routinely done; spot checking logs for accuracy of data; ensures safe, sanitary conditions in the kitchen by completing kitchen safety/sanitation audits and test tray audits per policy 
• Participates in the survey process; instructs staff in matters of conduct and disclosure; maintains a presence always while surveyors are on-site and directs the timely collection of information required by the survey team.  Undertakes corrective action while survey is in progress, if appropriate; works with the Facility’s departments to develop survey plan of correction, as needed 
• Serves on various committees as required by company standards, regulations, and/or appointment by immediate supervisor 

Direct Patient Care 

• Conducts initial and reassessments on all patients admitted to the Facility 
• Ensure proper completion of documentation (assessments, care plans, education, discharge planning) 
• Prescribes nutrition therapy to meet estimated needs and monitors tolerance 
• Provides ongoing reassessment to ensure optimal nutrition therapy is provided  
• Participates with Interdisciplinary Team meetings to develop, implement, and monitor nutrition care plan 
• Interviews patients, family members, legal representatives, and/or significant others to obtain diet history, food preferences, and other pertinent information needed to develop and/or update plan of care 
• Advocates for patient to protect and promote patients’ rights, and accommodate individual needs and cultural/religious preferences 
• Involves the patient/family in planning objectives and goals for the patient 
• Conducts nutrition education to patients, families, staff as appropriate 
• Conducts meal rounds to ensure patients are receiving therapy that meets patient’s needs 
• Coordinates with Food Service Director to resolve patients’ concerns or dissatisfactions with diet or meal service 

Menu Management 

• Monitors Food Service Director’s oversight of the menu management process  
• Reviews and approves all patient menus in the facility; must approve any substitutions provided to patients 
• Provides oversight for the transcription of diet orders in the department to ensure accuracy 
• Ensures all patient snack orders are checked against the diet order and distributed to patients timely 
• Provides oversight as needed to assure proper ordering of food and supply to ensure proper execution of diets and snacks 
• Provides training to Food Service Director and staff as needed on therapeutic diets and menus, food allergens, or other related topics 

Other 

• Fulfills job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the Company’s Code of Business Conduct, its policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws, and applicable professional standards and codes of ethics 
• Uses independent judgment and discretion on behalf of the organization in the performance of these duties 
• Works cooperatively as a team member with co-workers in all departments of the Facility 
• Communicates issues, concerns, and opportunities for improvement to immediate supervisor routinely 
• Stays abreast of CMS federal regulations for LTC and food safety, as well as state-specific regulations for the state in which he/she works and incorporates into his/her work as needed 
• Monitors industry trends, new products, current research, and new programs in foodservice and incorporates into his/her work as needed 
• Performs other duties as assigned 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in dietetics or nutrition related field 
• Registration from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (www.cdrnet.org) 
• Licensure and/or certification from the State Licensing Board for Dietitians  
• Food Protection Manager Certification from an ANSI-CFP accredited program 
• Two years of experience in Long Term Care and Rehabilitation preferred. 

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Demonstrates organizational and critical thinking skills 
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills 
• Ability to work independently, problem solve and make decisions as necessary 
• Ability to be patient while interacting with challenged or difficult residents 
• Basic computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office, word-processing and spreadsheet software. 
• Ability to create a resident-centered environment 
• Ability to react decisively and quickly in emergency situations 
• Knowledge of policies and procedures and state and federal regulations Ability to read and write at a level appropriate for the job 
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents and their family members, and at all levels of the organization 
• Ability to read, speak, understand, and communicate effectively in English through verbal and written means 

Required Responsibilities: 

Successful demonstration of work standards, quality work product, productivity, and job knowledge are standard expectations for all company employees. 

Core Competencies: 

• Caring/Compassion 
• Accountability 
• Dependability 
• Adaptability/Flexibility 
• Effective Communication  
• Detail Oriented 
• Confidentiality  
• Team Player 
• Dedication