Registered Dietitian - Hartford - Per Diem

Job Description

Registered Dietitian (R.D.) provides medical nutrition therapy to pediatric patients (from infancy to age 18 years) who may be well or acutely, critically and chronically ill.

Serves as a resource for caregivers patients, and their families. Assesses the nutritional status of patients. Develops, documents and implements the nutritional plan based on the assessment results.

Effectively counsel patients and families for improved nutritional outcomes. Participates with interdisciplinary teams to promote nutritional care.

Develops and presents educational in-services to the medical team.

Responsibilities

Evidenced Based Clinical Practice

• Assess the nutritional status of inpatients and as necessary, outpatients at very high or high risk. This includes : history;
• lab review and interpretation; nutrition focused physical exam including but not limited to : heights, weights, skin folds and head measurements;

medication analysis; disease analysis and educational needs of the patient and caregivers / family.

Develop, document and implement the nutritional plan based on the assessment results.

Participate in interdisciplinary team rounds to promote nutritional care.

Serve as a community resource, especially for home care and area pediatricians.

Education / Life Long Learning

Provide education and counseling to caregivers, pediatric patients, and their families.

Provide education to MD's, RN's and other disciplines as needed.

Round with physicians to provide advice, monitor patient status and make adjustments to therapy as needed.

Provide guidance and instruction to diet technicians and nutrition assistants.

Serve as a mentor / trainer for new staff and dietetic interns.

Process Improvement

Participates fully in all department QI activities and maintains monthly stats and reports. Complete interdisciplinary chart audits and peer reviews.

Identify clinical safety issues and / or department business or efficiency issues and communicate to appropriate stakeholders.

Clinical Leadership and Expertise

Participate in developing and implementing practice protocols to provide continuous quality improvement in all aspects of nutritional therapy.

Participate in hospital research as requested.

Keep up-to-date on research in nutrition and educate staff and students on nutritional issues; act as a preceptor for students in nutrition.

Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from pre-term neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice.

Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients / families.

Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Childrens Medical Center Standards.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides supervision, guidance and instruction to dietetic technicians, nutrition assistants and dietetic interns.

Qualifications

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE :

• Bachelor or Masters of Science in Nutrition or completion of Didactic Program in Dietetics in accordance with Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics leading to registration eligibility.
• Two to Five years pediatric experience preferred.

LICENSE / CERTIFICATIONS :

• American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider required within 6 months of hire.
• Registered Dietitian (R.D.) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics preferred and required
• CT State Certification (CD-N) is required on hire, exception is new grad required within 6 months of hire.
• Registration eligibility is that established by the Committee on Dietetic Registration and may include Completion of an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics along with one of the following :
• Accredited Dietetic Internship Program
• Accredited Coordinated Program

KNOWLEDGE OF :

Medical Nutrition Therapy in accordance with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics standards.

Medical Terminology.

Drug Nutrient Interactions.

Pediatric genetic / metabolic disease states.

About Us

Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children's offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states.

Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home.

Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children's, treating children isn't just our job - it's our passion. As a leading children's health system experiencing steady growth, we're excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children's health and well-being as one team.