Clinical Dietitian

CommonSpirit Health; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 75,561 - 87,629; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in California is seeking an entry-level Clinical Dietitian I to assess patients' nutritional needs and implement individualized nutrition plans. Responsibilities include conducting nutritional assessments, providing education, and collaborating within interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient care. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's degree in dietetics and are required to obtain Registered Dietician certification within 90 days of hire. This role offers competitive hourly wages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or completion of accredited dietetics program is required.
• Registered Dietician certification must be obtained within 90 days.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct nutritional assessments and screenings for patients.
• Provide tailored nutrition education and monitor patient progress.
• Develop specific nutrition intervention plans as per physician's orders.
• Collaborate with Food and Nutrition Services team for patient care.

Skills

Nutritional assessment

Patient education

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Clinical expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree or completion of accredited dietetics program

Job description

Position Summary

As an entry level clinician, the Clinical Dietitian I assesses the nutritional status of the patient using recognized tools of assessment, and recommends & counsels patients, family, and/or caregivers on the appropriate nutrition plan to improve the patient's disease or condition management. Works with the general patient population, as well as with patients in more complex levels of care under the supervision of a Clinical Dietitian II or Clinical Nutrition Director.

Job Summary and Responsibilities

To be successful in this role, you will integrate robust clinical expertise with empathetic, evidence-based care, consistently adhering to professional standards and fostering effective communication with patients and healthcare teams.

• Performs nutritional assessment using age and gender appropriate standards, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds; and utilizing validated assessment tools resulting in nutrition-related diagnosis when indicated. Conducts routine screening to identify patients at nutritional risk. Collaborates within an interdisciplinary environment to contribute to facilitating care and identifying patients at nutrition risk or needing higher levels of care.
• Implements targeted and specific nutrition intervention(s). Provides customized nutrition education to patients and/or families and caregivers. Works within an interdisciplinary environment to contribute toward overall patient care. Closely monitors, evaluates and rescreens patient nutrition status as appropriate. Updates plan of care as necessary. Follow up with patients as needed.
• Develops an intervention plan which includes appropriate feeding route, mode, and nutrition prescription unique to patient's specific needs, in accordance with physicians' orders. Monitors and evaluates patient response to interventions by meeting specific measurable goals documented in the nutrition care plan in a timely and thorough manner in the medical record.
• Collaborates with the Food and Nutrition Services team to enhance patient experience. This includes participating in test trays, menu reviews, periodic auditing of trayline for accuracy of diet orders, validating menu compliance with the facility Diet Manual Handbook and Nutrition Care Manual (NCM), supporting with patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, interns, etc.), maintaining communication with patients, staff, and guests and providing excellent customer service. Participates in peer reviews and chart audits, and collaborates in Diet Manual Handbook training for all clinical staff (new registered dietitians, nurses, therapists, physicians, etc.), including how to access it in hard and soft copy.

Job Requirements

Minimum

• Bachelor's or completion of accredited dietetics program (ACEND - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics), upon hire
• Registered Dietician, within 90 days
• Registered Dietitian ADA, within 90 days
• Registered Dietitian AND, within 90 days
• Registered Dietitian CDR, within 90 days

Where You'll Work

Founded in 1941, Dignity Health - Dominican Hospital is a 188-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Santa Cruz, California. Serving over 80,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including heart care, orthopedics, and a Family Birthing Center. Additionally, Dominican Hospital has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center, and has been awarded the AMA/ASA’s Get the Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to providing the best stroke care.

[One Community. One Mission. One California]

Pay Range

$54.85 - $63.61 /hour