Clinical Dietitian

Memorial Physician Practices; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Part time

Job summary

Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute is seeking a Clinical Dietitian to provide comprehensive nutrition services for hospitalized patients. You will assess, plan, educate, and coordinate discharge while guiding therapeutic diets, allergens, and nutrition standards.

Collaboration across disciplines and survey readiness are essential. Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's degree in Dietetics, are Registered Dietitians, and have acute-care experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Dietetics or a nutrition-related field.
• Registered Dietitian credential and state license if required.
• Prior acute-care experience preferred.
• Clinical nutrition assessment and care planning; documentation; knowledge of therapeutic diets and allergen management.
• Effective teaching/presentation skills; ability to collaborate across disciplines; strong organization and follow-through; survey readiness and compliance awareness.

Responsibilities

• Provides clinical nutrition services for hospitalized patients, including assessment, care planning, education, and discharge coordination.
• Oversees menu management and staff education related to therapeutic diets, allergens, and nutrition standards.
• Supports regulatory survey readiness and participates in on-site survey activities to ensure compliance.
• Guides staff during surveys, participates in information requests, and coordinates corrective actions with other departments.
• Maintains complete and timely documentation of assessments, care plans, and discharge planning.

Skills

Acute-care experience

Nutrition assessment

Documentation

Therapeutic diets

Teaching skills

Collaborative

Organization

Survey readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Dietetics

Registered Dietitian

Job description

Your experience matters

Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well‑being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Clinical Dietitian, joining our team, you’re embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier®. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

How you'll contribute

• Provides clinical nutrition services for hospitalized patients, including assessment, care planning, education, and discharge coordination.
• Oversees menu management and staff education related to therapeutic diets, allergens, and nutrition standards.
• Supports regulatory survey readiness and participates in on‑site survey activities to ensure compliance.
• Participates in the survey process by guiding staff on conduct and disclosure, maintaining an on‑site presence with surveyors, coordinating timely responses to information requests, and initiating corrective action during surveys as appropriate; collaborates with hospital departments to develop plans of correction.
• Conducts initial nutrition assessments and reassessments for all admitted patients and prioritizes high‑risk referrals in accordance with policy.
• Ensures complete and timely documentation, including assessments, care plans, education, and discharge planning, in accordance with hospital policy and regulatory standards.
• Provides oversight of the menu management process to align offerings with therapeutic diet orders and patient needs.
• Educates managers and staff on therapeutic diets, food allergens, and related topics and serves as a subject‑matter resource.
• Collaborates with physicians, nursing, speech therapy, case management, and Food & Nutrition Services to optimize patient outcomes and experience.
• Supports performance improvement initiatives, audit readiness, and policy updates related to clinical nutrition and food service operations.
• Maintains patient safety and privacy and follows infection prevention and allergen‑control practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What we're looking for

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Dietetics or a nutrition‑related field.

Certifications:

• Registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration; state license/certification if required.

Skills & Experience:

• Prior acute‑care experience preferred.
• Clinical nutrition assessment and care planning; clear documentation; knowledge of therapeutic diets and allergen management; effective teaching/presentation skills; ability to collaborate across disciplines; strong organization and follow‑through; survey readiness and compliance awareness.

Why join us

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:

• Comprehensive Benefits:Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full‑time andpart‑time employees.
• Financial Protection & PTO:Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short‑and long‑term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
• Financial & Career Growth:Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well‑being:Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
• Professional Development:Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

More about Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute

Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute is a state‑of‑the‑art, 52‑bed inpatient acute rehabilitation hospital dedicated to helping individuals regain their independence and return to the lives they love following an injury or illness.

EEOC Statement

Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Palomar Health Rehabilitation is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment.