Summary: The Registered Dietitian (RD) provides plans and initiates medical nutrition therapy for patients identified as having nutritional risk factors, with a strong emphasis on patients with chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes. The RD plays an invaluable role and collaborates with an interdisciplinary care team and other members of the Population Health department to provide this high-quality, patient-centered care. The RD may also conduct group educational sessions of specific topics to target patients with similar nutritional challenges and/or goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Individual Nutrition Counseling Sessions

• Performs initial assessments and follow-up appointments for nutrition counseling.

• Develops a nutrition plan with the patient that sets goals that are individualized and attainable for the patient.

• Provides appropriate resources and/or tools for patients to help achieve their goals, as well as a printed paper copy of their goals.

• Demonstrates appropriate clinical judgment in recommending treatments in consultation with the primary care provider.

• Exhibits appropriate knowledge of specialty areas, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

• Assesses psychological needs of patients, as appropriate within the RD scope. Makes referrals to behavioral health and psychiatry, as appropriate.

• Assesses social needs of patients and refers to social services, as appropriate within the RD scope.

• Assesses spiritual needs of patients; provides spiritual care, including sharing Christian faith, as appropriate.

• Collaborates with staff of Lifestyle Medicine program and Community Health and Wellness department, and refers to Lifestyle Medicine classes, and Community Health and Wellness programs, such as Family Fit, as appropriate.

• Documents and communicates through the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and verbally, as appropriate, with the patient’s Primary Care Provider and with the rest of the patient’s Care Team. Communicates appropriately with outside health professionals.

Group sessions

• As needed, conducts group educational sessions on specific topics with patients and other organizations and/or instructors. Uses existing or creates new lesson plans and take-home handouts.

• Effectively communicates with and educates patients.

Other Duties:

• Community Health & Wellness: On occasion and in collaboration with the Community Health & Wellness department, promotes nutrition and healthy living at health fairs, community health promoter class, cooking demonstrations, or other community events. Prepares materials for these sessions.

• Quality Improvement: Suggests improvements, and works to help implement practice improvements.

• Professional Development: Continues to learn informally and through formal educational channels.

• Effectively explains to patients his/her role as a dietitian

• Seeks supervision and input from collaborating or substitute physician appropriately.

• Operates within the training and licensing restrictions of a registered dietitian.

• Participates in staff devotions daily. Leads devotions periodically. Contributes to the spiritual life of staff.

• Accountable to and active in a Bible-teaching church congregation.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Underlying Commitments

• Implement nutrition program strategies which honor, value, and respect all persons as made in God’s image.

• Anticipates genuine growth, healing, and wholeness, while recognizing own limitations and the independent agency of each individual

• Maintains vision for spiritual care that facilitates patients experiencing Christ, while respecting beliefs of all persons.

• Posture of honesty, compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

• Maintains requirements for patient participation including safety, mutual respect, confidentiality, and adherence to established program rules and guidelines

Clinical Team Function

• Arrives at patient sessions on time in AM and PM, prepared with appropriate items.

• Remains in hub or workspace with focus on clinical care (not sidetracked by other non-emergent tasks.)

Spiritual and Holistic Care

• Assesses psychological needs of patients and makes referrals to counseling and psychiatry as appropriate.

• Assesses social needs of patients and refers to social services as appropriate.

• Provides effec