Senior Clinical Dietitian

Come lead with us at Houston Methodist Hospital At Houston Methodist, the Senior Clinical Dietitian position is responsible for functioning as an experienced clinician at the requirements established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). In addition to fulfilling the duties of clinical dietitian, primary responsibilities for this position include application of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) including the completion of the nutrition assessment, determination of the nutrition diagnosis, developing and implementing nutrition intervention(s) and monitoring and evaluating of the patient's progress. The Senior Clinical Dietitian position serves as a preceptor for dietetic interns and mentors entry level clinicians, students, interns and other departmental employees, working closely with the interprofessional healthcare team to provide inpatient/outpatient care that is integrated and compatible with the patient-focused goals and objectives. This position participates in department and quality improvement projects for inpatient or outpatient departments. FLSA STATUS Exempt QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section. EXPERIENCE Three years clinical nutrition experience as a Registered Dietitian LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Required RD - Registered Dietician (CDR) - Commission on Dietetic Registration_PSV by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and LD - License Dietitian, State Licensure - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation_PSV within 60 days Preferred BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles Strong knowledge of local City Food Ordinance guidelines and Health department standards Function independently and exercise judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team and patients and their families Possesses comprehensive computer knowledge including Microsoft products Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Consults individually with clients regarding nutritional concerns. Recommends nutrition plans to clients based on physical results, goals and concerns. Corresponds with other health care professionals regarding client’s nutrition care plan as necessary. Acts as a resource person for all nutrition inquiries and provide counseling while upholding Houston Methodist and industry standards of ethics. Uses therapeutic communication, which includes active listening and teaching, to establish a relationship with patients, families and interprofessional health care team to collaborate on the plan of care. Helps drive improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability. SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Assesses the nutrition status of clients and/or patients. Implements nutritional care according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process (NCP). Develops and instructs nutrition education classes in conjunction with dietitian team. Consistently evaluates the patient’s comprehension and adapts teaching methods accordingly. Utilizes evidence-based knowledge applied to the patient’s condition and recommends change in the plan of care. Advocates on patient/family’s behalf to identify and resolve clinical and ethical concerns, utilizing appropriate resources. Initiates improvements towards department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability to service standards. QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Self-initiates cross-coverage assistance to ens