Clinical Nutrition Trainee

Screens and assesses nutritional status of patients / residents. Develops and implements care plans, coordinating services with medical staff and ancillary services. Participates in clinical Quality Improvement activities for the department. Enters clinical charges into the computer. Provides nutrition education for patients / residents. Represents the Health System as a nutrition resource person. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Screens and assesses patients' status for nutritional risk factors per protocol. This may include gathering information on the nutrition history, medical record review, anthropometrics.
• Prepares Nutrition assessment based upon information obtained from history, including recommendation of appropriate diet prescription. Plans nutrition care goals, completes timely follow-up and documentation in the medical record. Develops and implements plan of care based assessment of nutritional needs and available sources, and correlates plan with other healthcare. Evaluates nutritional care and provides follow up continuity of care. Consults with physicians and other health care professionals to determine patient's nutritional needs and diet restrictions.
• Organizes daily tasks to complete needed activities in a timely manner. Participates as a team player with the rest of the clinical nutrition staff by communicating effectively and identifying priority duties. Participates in clinical meetings to discuss policy and procedures and other topics.
• Participates in interdisciplinary care rounds by providing input regarding patient nutrition status. Discusses nutrition related problems with medical, nursing, and ancillary staff to improve nutrition status of assigned patients.
• Maintains accurate records and assists in statistical analysis of data. Assists in developing new programs including business plans as needed. Assists in developing policies and procedures as appropriate. Completes data for Clinical Productivity monthly.
• Participates in food tasting panels, test trays, meal rounds, etc. to achieve / maintain above average ratings on patient satisfaction surveys. Inspects meals served for conformance to prescribed diets and for standards of palatability and appearance.
• Provides nutrition education to patients, the community, students and other health care professionals. Develops nutrition education materials, programs, displays, etc.
• Maintains CEU's as required for registration and licensure. Attends Mandatory Inservice and completes online education as requested.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (if they are a Registered Dietitian prior to January 2024) from a four-year college or University or Master's degree in Dietetics, Food Service, Food and Nutrition or related field. Completion of an accredited or approved supervised practice program.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

Registered with Commission on Dietetic Registration or eligible with registration within one year of hire.

State certification / licensure to meet state specific laws for practice as a Dietitian or licensure within one year of hire.

Sanitation License (required for skilled nursing facility dietitian) within six months of hire.

Mercyhealth offers a generous total rewards package to eligible employees including, but not limited to:

* Comprehensive Benefits Package: Mercyhealth offers a retirement plan with competitive matching contribution, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options, life and disability coverage, access to flexible spending plans, and a variety of other discounted voluntary benefit options.

* Competitive Compensation: Mercyhealth offers market competitive rates of pay and participates in various shift differential and special pay incentive programs.

* Paid Time Off: Mercyhealth offers a generous paid time off plan, which increases with milestone anniversaries, to allow employees the opportunity for a great work-life balance.

* Career Advancement: Mercyhealth offers a number of educational assistance programs and career ladders to support employees in their educational journey and advancement within Mercyhealth.

* Employee Wellbeing: Mercyhealth has a focus on wellbeing for employees across the organization and offers a number of tools and resources, such as an employer-sponsored health risk assessment and a Wellbeing mobile application, to assist employees on their wellbeing journey.

* Additional Benefits: Mercyhealth employees have access to our internal and external employee assistance programs, employee-only discount packages, paid parental and caregiver leaves, on-demand pay, special payment programs for patient services, and financial education to help with retirement planning.