Clinical Dietitian II - Nutrition Support

Clinical Dietitian II

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Summary: The Clinical Dietitian II works closely with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to coordinate evidence-based medical nutrition therapy that is integrated and compatible with the patient-focused medical goals. The Clinical Dietitian II will be integrated into the multidisciplinary teams of UNC Hospitals Home Parenteral Nutrition Clinic. The Clinical Dietitian II will manage the nutrition-related needs for patients receiving home parenteral nutrition care at UNC Hospitals. Primary responsibilities include application of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), through nutrition-focused physical exam. Nutrition/malnutrition assessment, nutrition diagnosis, interventions, monitoring, and evaluation of the patient's progress. The Clinical Dietitian II uses practice-specific dietetics and, as available and evidence-based practice protocols/nutrition practice guidelines to help determine nutrition intervention. The Clinical Dietitian II has extensive knowledge in the area of clinical practice as evidenced by years of experience and/or specialty certification(s) noted in the requirements listed below. The Clinical Dietitian II performs business functions, such as management of resources in a cost-effective manner, and participates in compliance and quality performance improvement efforts to ensure that nutrition care is safe and effective. The Clinical Dietitian II is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, serving as a resource on nutrition management of the clinical practice area(s) is involved in team meetings, committees, and provides nutrition-related in-services. The Clinical Dietitian II maintains professional competency and skills required for professional practice. The Clinical Dietitian II precepts interns and supports, models and trains clinical dietitians in the core behaviors and responsibilities of the department and organization. The Clinical Dietitian II specializes in the management of parenteral and enteral nutrition therapy for adult patients. This role involves providing outpatient nutrition care to patients with complex medical conditions that require parenteral nutrition support. This is an outpatient hospital-based role that collaborates closely with the inpatient nutrition support team. Specialty certification (CNSC) must be obtained within six (6) months from the date of hire or the next offered exam date for those who have completed educational preparation and eligibility for certification.

Responsibilities:

1. Provides outpatient nutrition consultations via telehealth and in-person at UNC Hospitals clinic(s). Demonstrates clinical and age-specific competency as evidenced by clinical competency tools, forms, chart audits, assessments, observation, etc. Assess nutritional needs, identifying nutrient requirements based on age, disease, and individual factors, and demonstrating clinical and age-specific competency. Develops, implements, and monitors individualized nutrition care plans, including parenteral nutrition regimens with management of macronutrients, micronutrients, fluids, and electrolytes. Uses assessment tools and best practices to evaluate laboratory values, clinical status, and parenteral nutrition tolerance, adjusting care as needed to ensure safe and effective nutrition support. Delivers evidence-based medical nutrition therapy, completes care coordination, and documents all aspects of nutrition care in the medical record.
2. Works closely with physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement comprehensive nutrition support care plans. Participates in multidisciplinary Nutrition Support Team rounds, providing guidance on nutrition-related aspects of patient care, including transitioning from parenteral nutrition to enteral nutrition when appropriate. Educates patients and caregivers on the principles and practices of parenteral nutrition and enteral nutrition support, including safe administration and monitoring of therapies at home. Participates in the coordination of care and the discharge process.
3. Ensures compliance with regulatory and accrediting agency standards through timely completion of clinical nutrition documentation, chart audits, and participation in organizational surveys. Supports adherence to Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program, and other standards to continuously improve patient safety, quality of care, and organizational performance.
4. Creates/updates evidence-based protocols in the area of clinical practice and trains others in order to ensure medical nutrition therapy practices are current and meet established guidelines. Identifies professional development needs, mentors colleagues, and serves as a preceptor for interns as assigned.
5. Leads and participates in quality improvement initiatives to enhance the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of nutrition services. Contributes to the development, review, and revision of protocols and guidelines for medical nutrition therapy. Accurately documents all nutrition assessments, care plans, interventions, and patient outcomes in the electronic medical record, ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards and supporting continuity of care.

Other Information

Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Master's in related Dietitian field for new graduates becoming licensed after 1/1/2024. Completion of a Coordinated Program in Dietetics or Dietetic Internship accredited by ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics) of no less than 900 hours (1200 hours for graduates of programs beginning 2012).

Licensure/Certification Requirements: Registered Dietitian (RD) by The Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR) Licensed as a Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) by the North Carolina Board of Dietetics and Nutrition. If less than five (5) years of experience, certification in area of clinical specialty (e.g., CDCES, CNSC, CNSD, CSR, CSP, CSSD, CSGN, CLE, BCLE, etc.) or advanced degree or approved to practice in specialized roles where certification does not exist is required. Some positions may require appropriate credentialing for billing purposes (e.g., NPI, Medicare/Medicaid Provider, BCBSNC Provider) to be obtained within one (1) month from date of hire. Some positions may require maintenance of certification (e.g. CDCES) for billing purposes.

Professional Experience Requirements: Three (3) years as an RD with two (2) of those years' experience in area of clinical specialty or three (3) years nutrition experience in a tertiary care, teaching hospital and certification in specialty area is required. or Five (5) years of experience as an RD Must maintain certification until RD has at least 5 years of experience (or longer if required for certain positions i.e. Nutrition Support Team) or have at least five (5) years of experience as an RD.

Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:

• Knowledge of the Nutrition Care Process and ability to apply all steps of the process.
• Comprehensive knowledge and application of medical nutrition therapy.
• Understands and can implement Motivational Interviewing.
• Critical thinking to integrate facts, informed opinion, active listening, and observations.
• Decision making, problem solving, and collaboration.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form to patients, public, hospital and medical staff, and physicians.
• Ability to function independently on assigned patient care units.
• Ability to counsel and educate others.
• General knowledge of nutrient analysis, word processing, and spreadsheet software.

Job Details

Legal Employer: STATE Entity: UNC Medical Center Organization Unit: Outpatient Nutrition Services Work Type: Full Time Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00 Salary Range: $26.59 - $38.23 per hour (Hiring Range) Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity Work Assignment Type: Onsite Work Schedule: Day Job Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: Yes This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation. UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.