Job Information
Northern Light Health Clinical Dietetic Technician in Portland, Maine
Northern Light Mercy Hospital
Department: Clinical Dietitians
Position is located: Mercy Fore River
Work Type: PRN
Hours Per Week: 8.00
Work Schedule: 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Summary:
Under the direction of the Clinical Dietitian, the Dietetic Technician is responsible for the nutritional care of all infant through geriatric inpatients with low to moderate nutritional risk. Duties include direct patient clinical care which includes nutritional screenings, assessments and interventions, menu selections for patients on therapeutic diets, and nutrition counseling. The incumbent performs duties and tasks in accordance with performance standards established for the job. The incumbent may have access to highly confidential patient, employee and/or organization proprietary information, and must handle & protect the information in accordance with hospital & system policies, HIPAA requirements and the highest level of ethical standards. The incumbent is responsible for reporting all security events, potential events, or other security risks to the organization. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position, and conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of the organization.
Responsibilities:
The Dietetic Technician is able to perform the clinical responsibilities according to departmental standards and guidelines.
Documentation of Nutritional Care: Nutritional screening.
Nutritional screening and classification of level of nutritional risk is documented within 24 hours of admission on assigned units. Appropriate level of risk is documented based on department criteria.
Nutritional Assessments and Consults on Moderate to Low Nutritional Risk Patients.
Nutritional assessments demonstrate application of age specific requirements.
Assessments include recommendations for appropriate diet for conditions indicated.
Assessments include essential medical information and reflect incorporation of this into the nutritional recommendations (obtaining diet history, medical history, medications, cultural and psychosocial issues, etc.).
Demonstrate compliance with timeframes established by the department.
Follow-up care is documented within established timeframes based on level of care.
Follow-up documentation reflects changes in the status of the patient since the initial assessment.
Monitors the effectiveness of the patient’s care plan.
Reflects discharge plan or concerns identified that relate to nutritional status.
Nutrition Education: Patients on modified diets are provided with instruction on the diet when appropriate.
Patient Education.
Documentation of diet instruction includes assessment of the patients or caregivers level of comprehension. Instructions are tailored to meet the individual’s needs.
Collects same day menus from patients on assigned units in a timely manner.
Works with patient to ensure a nutritionally adequate diet is ordered.
Offers alternatives to entice patient’s appetite when sub-optimal for recuperation.
Calorie Counts: Completes calorie counts on specified patients including interpretation of results.
Documents results of calorie count in the medical record.
Works with nursing and dietitian staff to increase intake.
Quality Assurance: Independently prioritizes patient case load.
Utilizes screening data to prioritize patient care for level I, II, and III patients.
Meets established timeframes for documentation standards.
Participates in QA/QI initiatives of department.
Teamwork with Diet Office Staff.
Able to identify patient care needs and provide guidance to the Call Center Rep.
In conjunction with Dietitian, is responsible for providing and documenting nutritional care on assigned units.
Provides call center coverage as needed or assigned by the Manager.
Response to Service Demands: The Diet Tech is able to work independently and reprioritize work daily to meet demands of clinical care.
Maintains positive attitude in response to change.
Adjusts to changes needed and maintains productivity.
Willing to assist coworkers in balancing priorities.
Takes the initiative to follow through on nutritional interventions.
Verbal Communications: The Diet Tech demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels in the organization, patients, visitors, etc.
Demonstrates the ability to present detailed information clearly.
Utilizes communication skills to resolve problems, listens and clarifies information to seek positive solutions.
Follows up on information to maintain consistent patient care.
Group Collaboration: The Diet Tech collaborates with other members of the healthcare team on the nutritional care options.
Demonstrates the ability to make suggestions to improve patient care outcomes.
Accepts and respects the opinion of others.
Participates in discharge planning process as it relates to nutritional care and follow-up.
Self-Development/Professional Growth: The Diet Tech maintains current knowledge about the nutritional care of patients on assigned units.
Completes required continuing education credits to maintain Maine License and fulfills requirement of 10 hour CEU’s per year.
Attends the assigned training for the development of skills specific to area of work responsibility.
Presents inservices/training to staff or selected topics.
Attends staff meetings and inservices and completes required competency tests.
Performs additional duties as required or assigned.
Registration with the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics is an optional credential
Competencies and Skills
Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
Credentials
- Required Licensed Dietetic Technician
Education
- Required Associate's Degree
Working Conditions
Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people.
Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable.
Potential exposure to noxious odors.
Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.
Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
Prolonged periods of sitting.
Position Clinical Dietetic TechnicianLocation Req ID null
