Clinical Dietitian - Surgery

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in pediatric healthcare is seeking a dedicated Registered Dietitian to join their dynamic team. This role focuses on providing medical nutrition therapy to pediatric patients, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to enhance nutritional care. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for pediatric nutrition, a commitment to evidence-based practices, and the ability to educate families on nutrition-related matters. Join a diverse community that values innovation and inclusivity, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families. This is an exciting opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of medical nutrition therapy for pediatric patients.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform nutritional assessments and develop care plans for pediatric patients.
• Provide nutrition education and counseling to patients and families.

Skills

Medical Nutrition Therapy

Communication Skills

Independent Functioning

Counseling and Education

Mathematical Skills

Nutrient Analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics

Master's Degree in Dietetics

Tools

Word Processing Software

Spreadsheet Software

Job description

SHIFT:

Day (United States of America)

Seeking Breakthrough Makers

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.

At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care—and your career.

CHOP’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining diverse talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children.

We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

A Brief Overview

Consistently and safely performs medical nutrition therapy with a focus on pediatric patients and family centered care. Provides and manages nutrition care utilizing evidence-based practice and clinical judgment to prevent, delay and manage acute and chronic diseases and promote wellness. Collaborates with interdisciplinary healthcare team members to improve nutritional status and establish optimal outcomes.

The registered dietitian is an integral part of the general surgery multi-disciplinary team that cares for patients who undergo abdominal and thoracic, minimally invasive, oncological, trauma, and fetal surgeries. This position includes both inpatient and outpatient responsibilities and is affiliated with several specialized multidisciplinary programs. The RD will manage nutrition for patients across a wide range of ages from infancy through adolescence and will serve a critical role in their pre-operative preparation, post-operative care and longitudinal follow up. Candidates with a strong background or interest in surgical/critical care nutrition and/or pediatric nutrition are preferred.

What you will do

• Patient Care/Evidence Based Practice:
• Completes nutritional assessments of patients, determines nutrition diagnosis and nutrition prescription, initiates interventions, documents outcomes of interventions and coordinates/communicates patient/client discharge and transitions (referrals) care.
• Screens patients for nutritional risk in accordance with established department protocols and standards.
• Plans and initiates medical nutrition therapy for patients if indicated by patient requirements and clinical protocol including but not limited to complex enteral nutrition regimens and parenteral nutrition support.
• Establishes evidence based nutritional care plans and communicates plan to other health care providers as a member of the healthcare team.
• Provide nutrition counseling and nutrition education to optimize nutritional status, prevent disease, or maintain and improve health and well-being.
• Make referrals to appropriate resources and programs and collaborate with other members of the healthcare team.
• Evaluate, educate, and counsel patients and families related to the use of nutrition-related pharmacotherapy plans and over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and food–drug and drug–nutrient interactions; and document care provided using standardized terminology.
• Performs additional duties as directed by supervisor.
• Nutrition Education and Training:
• Updates existing materials for client education.
• Provides in-services to other health care professionals, staff, and families.
• Interacts professionally with other healthcare professionals and is perceived as the resource on nutritional issues.
• Participates in the education and training of dietetic interns, nutrition residents, GI/nutrition fellows, medical and surgical residents, and other students as requested.
• Assists in developing and revising standards of care, patient education materials, and clinical forms.
• Professional Development/Leadership:
• Maintains productivity standards and practices effective time management.
• Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities, including information for scheduling and billing and completes documentation as per department/institutional standards.
• Establishes and implements an individualized plan for professional growth and development including participation in professional organizations, continuing education activities, workshops, seminars and staff development programs.
• Maintains continuing education for registration and licensure in accordance with CDR and PA Department of State licensure requirements.

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, or related area Required.
• Master's Degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, or related area Preferred.

Experience Qualifications

• At least six (6) months of pediatric medical nutrition therapy experience - Preferred.
• At least one (1) year experience in a clinical setting – Preferred.
• Past Surgical Experience – Preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and application of medical nutrition therapy (evidence based individualized nutrition process to help treat acute and chronic medical conditions) in pediatric patients. (Required proficiency)
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to patients and families, peers, public, and healthcare team. (Required proficiency)
• Ability to function independently on assigned patient care units. (Required proficiency)
• Ability to counsel and educate others. (Required proficiency)
• Ability to perform complex mathematical equations related to medical nutrition therapy (Required proficiency)
• General knowledge of nutrient analysis, word processing, and spreadsheet software. (Required proficiency)
• Familiarity with nutritional content, sources and use of commercial supplements, tube feedings, infant, pediatric and adult enteral formulas, parenteral nutrition, and feeding modulars (fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals). (Required proficiency)
• Consistently upholds CHOP ICARE Values and service standards.

Licenses and Certifications

• Registered Dietitian (RD) - Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) - within 6 months - Required.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) - Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) - within 6 months - Required.
• Licensed Dietitian-Nutrition (LDN) (Pennsylvania) - Pennsylvania State Licensing Board - within 6 months - Required.

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. Start dates may be delayed until candidates are immunized or exemption requests are reviewed.

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