Clinical Dietetic Technician, Full-Time or Part-Time
University of Maryland Medical System

Job Info

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Job Description
General Summary

Under general supervision, collaborates with members of the healthcare team to screen hospital inpatients for nutrition risk. With support of the registered dietitian, provides optimal nutrition care to patients at low nutrition risk. Uses own knowledge and skills to identify and re-evaluate nutrition risk throughout patients stay, provides basic nutrition education, calculates and documents calorie counts. Modifies the medical nutrition therapy plan of care according to own professional knowledge in collaboration with the registered dietitian.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

• Performs nutrition screening using criteria developed by nutritionists to identify patient nutrition risk level.
• Actively collects and reviews anthropometric data, biochemical parameters, past and current medical and social history and food intake to determine the nutrition risk level.
• Refers high risk patients to nutritionist for complete nutrition assessment.
• Develops nutrition care plan for patients at low risk level. Alerts food service management of food service concerns. Advises appropriate dietitian of meal intake related issues
• Provides timely follow-up monitoring and rescreening of patients identified at low risk according to Department guidelines.
• Identifies need for nutrition supplementation for patients with compromised eating patterns.
• Monitors patients receiving nothing-by-mouth (NPO) according to Department guidelines.
• May calculate nutrient intake for patients on calorie counts, report results to Nutritionist and documents in medical record.
• Reviews nursing assessment of patient and family learning needs (readiness and barriers). Based upon assessment tailors communication/counseling of nutrition care plan and food plan guideline to patient and/or family as feasible.
• Demonstrates knowledge of age-specific nutrition assessment standards. Tailor plan of nutrition care appropriate to the specific needs of the patient population.
• Maintains continuing education credits as required by Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Provides care according to organizational ethics, licensure, and the Standards of Professional Practice for Dietetics Professionals.
• Performs all duties in effective, efficient manner according to departmental guidelines and standards
• Maintains professional attitude towards patients, co-workers, and health care team.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Company Description
Renowned as the academic flagship of the University of Maryland Medical System, our Magnet®-designated facility is a nationally recognized, academic medical center with opportunities across the continuum of care. Come join UMMC and discover the atmosphere where talents and ideas come together to enhance patient care and advance the science of nursing. Located in downtown Baltimore near the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards, you won't find a more vibrant place to work!

Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Associate of Arts Degree in nutrition or related field. DTR certification is preferred.
• Six to twelve months experience as a Dietetic Technician in hospital setting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of nutritional requirements as they relate to human disease is necessary to assess a patient's nutritional needs.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide nutrition care appropriate to the age of the patients served for given service. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her age specific needs, and to provide the care as described in the unit/area/department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the calculations necessary to determine calorie/protein intake for patients on calorie counts.
• Ability to learn and use computer system to manage patient information.
• Effective verbal/written skills are needed to communicate with dietitians, the healthcare team and patients.
• Ability to work independently to ensure efficient nutrition intervention.
• Demonstrates composure, integrity and trust, personal learning, listening, creativity, customer focus, valuing diversity, planning and organizing, and time management behaviors.

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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