Dietitian

JOB SUMMARY:

The Dietitian at the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) performs or supervises others in providing a full range of professional dietetic services in areas of program development and organization, food preparation and service, patient therapy and education and research. Clinical Dietitians perform duties in the areas of medical nutrition and education, and are responsible for clinical nutrition management, quality improvement and the nutritional phase of medical research studies. Dietitians work closely with the clinic PACT team staff, such as physicians and nurses, to integrate the patient's nutritional care into the total treatment program. The Dietitian's contribution as a team member includes the nutritional assessment of patients and the development of nutritional care plans, nutrition interventions, and individualized nutrition education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

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  Independently plans, develops, and directs all nutritional care activities for assigned Veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. Supports the facility's mission and coordinates nutritional care with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's family and the community.

  
  

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  Gathers nutritional data and evidence to diagnose nutrition-specific problems for patients. Develops and implements an individualized, specialized plan for medical nutrition therapy in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives. Develops clinically significant goals that will resolve the nutrition diagnosis.

  
  

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  Evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcome of medical nutrition therapy interventions. Evaluates the patient's response to care based on identified, measurable outcomes and revises the plan appropriately as condition changes. Refers patient for other counseling, community, or home health services as appropriate. Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition counseling for individuals and groups, incorporating a learning approach that considers the cultural, religious, educational and medical situation of the patient. Adapts nutrition education materials and counseling techniques to client's level of understanding.

  
  

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  Manages the VA MOVE Weight Management Program and conducts group education for weight management classes. Provides individual weight management counseling, when clinically appropriate, for MOVE Program patients. Completes comprehensive pre- and post-surgery assessment of bariatric surgery candidates.

  
  

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  Serves as the nutrition expert on the interdisciplinary treatment team which includes physicians, nurses, and other allied health care professionals. Collaborates with and advises interdisciplinary health care team of nutritional recommendations, goals, and efficacy of nutrition therapy.