1. Performs nutritional assessment in newly admitted HBPC patients to identify patients at nutritional risk, to obtain pertinent information on eating patterns, economic situation, cultural background, compliance/comprehension of previous diets and other factors influencing nutrient intake and food tolerances/preferences and preparation. Evaluates nutritional assessments, reviews and interprets pertinent diagnostic and treatment data, and develops, implements, and monitors the nutrition care plan through the physician. The dietician initiates laboratory tests to more accurately assess nutritional status. Monitor laboratory values closely and recommends appropriate changes in diet prescriptions to the physician.
2. Develops and implements an individualized plan for medical nutrition therapy in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives. Accurately obtains and interprets medical information pertinent to the patient's nutritional care to determine risk, assess nutritional status and develop individual specialized care plans to simultaneously address several disease processes.
3. Calculates nutritional requirements (calories, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, electrolytes, fluid) and necessary diet restrictions or food/drug interactions. Diet prescribed is tailored to each individual client according to physical and metabolic needs. Designs the nutritional treatment plan with consideration for psychosocial, behavioral, ethnic and cultural factors to obtain desirable outcomes and promote long term adherence to a medical nutritional care plan.
4. Formulates therapeutic plans for specialized nutrition support, including enteral nutrition. Identifies patients in need of nutrition support and recommends the appropriate mode of nutrition support, including suitable route, formula and rate of administration. Provides initial and on-going nutritional assessments of receiving central nutrition. Utilizes assessment and evaluation techniques that consider age-specific needs as well as cultural, religious, and ethnic concerns.
5. Orders labs, diets and consults per Scope of Practice/Clinical privileges.
6. Evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcome of medical nutrition therapy interventions. Evaluates the patient's response to care based on identified, measurable outcomes and reviews the plan as appropriate.
7. Assesses the adequacy of the caregiver's capacity to prepare recommended meals.
8. Documents nutrition care plan in the patient's medical record, including nutrition assessment data, medical nutrition therapy initiated and recommendation's, results of nutrition counseling and discharge planning from HBPC. Documentation supports and interdisciplinary approach and continuity of care.
9. Advises HBPC patients and caregivers of community nutritional services available.
Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday
Telework: Regular Teleworks 6 + Days per pay period
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Starting at $73,317 Per Year (GS 11)