Overview

Performs comprehensive nutrition assessments of assigned patients, developing care plans, and providing medical nutrition therapy, clinical guidance, nutrition education and counseling to meet normal and therapeutic needs consistent with VNS Hospice Care policies. Works under general supervision.

Responsibilities
* Assesses and evaluates nutritional status of individual patients utilizing professional knowledge, interviewing skills and evidence-based guides to provide quality patient care. * Evaluates patient's physical condition and calculates therapeutic diet to meet the specific requirements of individual patient. Recommends to physician the plan of care, and advises physician of patient progress. * Establishes nutritional plan based on assessment of patient's condition. Monitors patient's progress and recommends/revises changes in nutritional plan for effective patient care. * Coordinates with team members and develops patient care plan to meet identified nutrition needs. Seeks clinical guidance from Nutrition Manager on hard to service cases. * Documents patient care information such as evaluation data, treatments, communications on patient progress, patient responses to interventions and desired goals on a timely basis in patient's medical record. * Initiates and maintains verbal/written communication according to VNS Health Hospice Care policy to ensure coordinated patient quality care. * Provides nutrition counseling to patients and/or caregivers utilizing educational materials, modified diets and individualized teaching aids to ensure patient understanding of the overall plan of care and its implications. * Manages nutrition care planning of assigned caseload of patients from evaluation to discharge. * Maintains productivity level of patient visits sufficient to meet program needs. * Participates in agency in-service education programs, QA reviews, interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferences. * Acts as liaison to other community agencies to gather and disseminate information on nutrition trends and changes. * Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Licenses and Certifications:
Current registration to practice as a Registered Dietitian from American Dietetic Association OR current Certification to practice in NY State as a Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist required Valid driver's license as determined by operational/regional needs may be required

Education:
Bachelor's Degree with major in food and nutrition or equivalent experience required Master's Degree in nutrition or public health preferred

Work Experience:
Minimum one year of professional experience as a registered/certified dietician required In lieu of work experience, a Master's Degree in nutrition or public health will be considered Effective oral/written/interpersonal communication skills required