Clinical Dietician

Lutheran Health Network; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Lutheran Health Network is seeking a Clinical Dietitian in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The role involves evaluating and managing patient nutritional care, educating patients and families, and collaborating with healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or a related field, and 0-2 years of clinical experience. The position requires strong communication skills and proficiency in EMR. Registered Dietitian certification is mandatory for applicants.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of clinical dietetics experience in a hospital or healthcare setting required.
• Registered Dietitian certification is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments based on various information sources.
• Develop individualized care plans and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Document all aspects of nutritional care per standards.
• Educate patients and caregivers on nutrition-related topics.

Skills

Clinical nutrition principles

Therapeutic diets

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or related field

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

Job description

Job Summary

The Clinical Dietitian evaluates, implements, and improves patient nutritional care by managing physician-ordered therapeutic diets, providing nutrition education, and contributing to patient satisfaction initiatives. This role collaborates with healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans and ensures compliance with clinical nutrition standards and policies.

Essential Functions

• Conducts comprehensive nutritional assessments using information from medical records, patient interviews, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Develops and implements individualized care plans, evaluates their effectiveness, and revises them as needed to support optimal patient outcomes.
• Documents all relevant aspects of nutritional care in accordance with departmental and regulatory standards.
• Educates patients, families, and caregivers on nutrition-related topics through individual consultations, group classes, and community presentations.
• Participates in healthcare team meetings to discuss patient care needs and collaborate on treatment plans.
• Serves as a resource for medical staff, nursing services, and other departments by providing expertise in clinical nutrition.
• Assists with menu planning and portion specifications to ensure compliance with therapeutic diet requirements.
• Monitors patient meal acceptance, conducts unit rounds as needed, and addresses concerns to enhance patient satisfaction.
• Revises and maintains policies and procedures related to clinical nutrition to ensure quality and compliance with current standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or related field required
• 0-2 years of clinical dietetics experience in a hospital or healthcare setting required

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong understanding of clinical nutrition principles, therapeutic diets, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to develop and implement individualized nutrition care plans.
• Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) and documentation systems.
• Organizational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• Commitment to professional growth and staying current with advancements in nutrition science.

Licenses and Certifications

• REG DIET - Dietitian – Registered required

State Specific Requirements

• Arizona: Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) certification within six (6) months of hire date required.