Dietitian- Inpatient (Fulltime)

Penn Medicine; Leaf Park (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Medicine, a leading academic medical center, seeks an inpatient Dietitian to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and nutrition education across patient ages at Lancaster General Hospital. The role integrates nutrition care into the total treatment plan within a collaborative healthcare team.

The ideal candidate holds a BS in nutrition, is a Registered Dietitian or eligible, and will obtain PA licensure within 3 months. Responsibilities include MDT participation and patient education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition or related field from an accredited school.
• Certification as a Registered Dietitian, issued by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, or registration eligible/obtaining certification within three (3) months from date of hire.
• Licensed in the state of Pennsylvania as a dietitian-nutritionist (RDN or LDN) within three (3) months from date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Gathers and analyzes data from medical history, labs, and nutrition assessments to complete comprehensive inpatients' nutrition requirements.
• Identifies patients at nutritional risk and initiates nutrition interventions.
• Develops and implements nutrition care plans and communicates them to the healthcare team.
• Educates individuals and families on nutritional principles and therapeutic dietary plans.
• Teaches group nutrition classes and updates education materials.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings and collaborates with food service and other departments.

Skills

Nutrition assessment

Nutrition education

Patient counseling

Group teaching

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in nutrition or related field

Registered Dietitian certification or eligible

PA RDN/LDN license within 3 months from date of hire

Job description

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Dietitian- Inpatient

Location: Lancaster Pa./ Lancaster General Hospital

Schedule: Fulltime/40 Hours Per Week/Monday-Friday/Rotating Weekends/Holidays/On-call

Position Summary

Participates as a member of the LGH healthcare team and is responsible for providing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and nutrition education to patients of all ages and to members of the community. The RD serves as a resource for nutrition information to various allied health personnel and assists in integrating the patient's nutritional care into the total treatment plan.

Essential Functions

• Qualified individuals must have the ability (with or without reasonable accommodation) to perform the following duties:
• Gathers and analyzes data from the medical history, medication record, lab values, nutritional and social history and through patient interview and/or physical nutrition assessment as appropriate to complete comprehensive assessment of nutritional requirements of patients served on assigned inpatient units. Utilizes current computer technology as it applies to clinical applications and departmental functions.
• Identifies patients at nutritional risk, categorizes level of malnutrition based on ASPEN/AND criteria if present, initiates nutrition intervention(s) as indicated and assigns time frame for follow up care according to established standards.
• Develops and implements nutritional care plan: Communicates plan to heath care team by verbal and written documentation. Assesses outcomes of nutrition interventions. Revises nutrition care plan to attain goals and desired outcomes. Maintains accurate electronic record of care plan; uses electronic care plan as an effective communication tool with fellow nutrition staff.
• Analyzes physiologic and metabolic responses to PEN.
• Tailors’ nutrition support regimens to the needs of the individual per clinical data and outcomes.
• Evaluates social, economic and demographic factors prior in regards to discharge planning for patients receiving PEN.
• Obtains required continuing education to maintain professional growth, development and competency.
• Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (PEN) support: Calculates nutrient requirements and recommends PEN formulations to physicians.
• Educates individuals and families in nutritional principles, therapeutic dietary plans, food selection, food economics; adapts nutrition plan to the individual’s lifestyle.
• Teaches group nutrition classes as needed, and interprets, evaluates and applies current research and evidence-based information related to nutritional care. Utilizes these resources to develop and update education materials including the LGH Intranet.
• SECONDARY FUNCTIONS: The following duties are considered secondary to the primary duties listed above:
• Attend multidisciplinary team meetings. Conducts in-services and classes to peers, allied health and medical professionals,
• Counsels’ patients on food/drug interactions when appropriate.
• Functions as a liaison to the Food Service Department to promote patient satisfaction. Assists with patient meal planning when needed.
• Provides clinical guidance to dietetic technicians. Participates in designing and conducting performance improvement initiatives with physicians, nurses and ancillary departments (such as radiology, pharmacy, speech).
• Gathers and analyzes data from the medical history, medication record, lab values, nutritional and social history and/or physical nutrition assessment as appropriate to complete comprehensive assessment of nutritional requirements of patients served at Lancaster General Hospital. Utilizes current computer technology as it applies to clinical applications and departmental functions.
• Participates in the on-call responsibilities for this position as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition or related field from an accredited school.
• Certification as a Registered Dietitian, issued by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, or registration eligible/obtaining certification within three (3) months from date of hire.
• Licensed in the state of Pennsylvania as a dietitian-nutritionist (RDN or LDN) within three (3) months from date of hire.

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.