The DTR is responsible for providing technical support for the Registered & Licensed Dietitians (RD, LD) who provide nutritional care to pediatric, adolescent, and select adult patients in assigned service lines. The DTR screens patient medical records for nutritional risk factors and assessment needs, obtains clinical information, calculates nutrient intake, provides nutritional care to assigned patient populations, provides basic diet instructions, provides general nutrition education, and completes growth charts and other forms for inclusion in the patient?s medical records (all under the supervision of an RD, LD).The DTR demonstrates competence (age-related, developmentally-related, and culturally-inclusive) in skills defined in duties and responsibilities.

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3 days per week in the Comprehensive Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Program. Includes a weekend rotation.

Reviews patient's admission/presenting data to screen for nutritional risk factors and assessment needs. Communicates with appropriate RD, LD and follows per directions. Assists in the development, updates and/or implementation of standards of patient care applicable to assigned patient population. Ensures high quality standards consistent with current nutrition research and practice.
• Collects information for complete nutrition screening and assessment according to established protocol to determine each patient's specific nutrient needs. Assists in the development of an appropriate nutrition care plan under the direction of the RD, LD, and documents nutrition-related information in the patient's medical record, or in the case of a private out-patient, completes a written report to the referring physician.
• Under the direction of an RD, LD:
  • Interprets appropriateness (age/developmental/medical/cultural) of diet orders for modified diets, enteral feedings, and infant formulas based on recommendations made in the current diet manuals approved by the Hospital's medical executive director. For in-patient units, reviews modified menus for appropriate age/developmental/medical/cultural food selections by patients based on the individual nutrition care plan.
  • Monitors and calculates the nutrient intake of patients as requested by the physician or RD, LD and documents summary in the electronic medical record (EMR). Uses clinical expertise to make recommendations for any modifications or supplementation.
  • Provides patient education regarding specific basic diet modifications and/or normal nutrition as prescribed by the physician and adapts for home use. Using clinical expertise assesses/designs/updates/ patient education materials. Documents patient/caregiver comprehension in the EMR or in the case of private patients, sends a report to the referring physician.
  • Serves as a consultant in response to nutrition-related inquiries from patients/caregivers/medical staff or foundation staff. Refers to the RD, LD where appropriate.
  • Attends and participates in pertinent patient care conferences and physician/team rounds on assigned services to improve communication and facilitate the provision of high-quality patient care.
  • (May) Monitor patients receiving enteral nutrition therapy through anthropometric and laboratory indices. Documents recommendations for therapy changes in the EMR and patient cardex (if appropriate).
  • Collects nutrition related information, calculates nutrient intake and performs other responsibilities as assigned *under the direction of the Nutrition Support Services RD, LD.
• Collaborates with Nutrition Services to:
  • Coordinate patient food preference, data collection, menu modification, food selection and formula/enteral feeding preparation (use and appropriateness).
  • Ensure accurate Room Service of food to patient.
• Collaborates with and shares patient information with the Clinical Nutrition Team (RD, LD) and other pertinent medical team staff when appropriate to improve or maintain high quality patient care.
• Collaborates and coordinates with the Clinical Nutrition Team (RD, LD) and program manager to:
  • Ensure smooth, effective and efficient department business.
  • Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of departmental goals to enhance patient care.
• Participates in educational activities to develop/enhance age/developmental/medical/cultural interventions.
• Demonstrates DTR competencies on an annual basis and attends/completes hospital mandatory education programs on an annual basis.

KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Associate Degree in nutrition from an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) approved program, AND Registration or Registration Eligible with completion of exam within 3 months of hire.

2. Experience as a dietetic technician preferred; clinical pediatric experience desirable.

3. Analytical and organizational skills required to evaluated patients? nutrition needs, with age/developmental appropriateness in mind, and to formulate and implement care plans.

4. Strong verbal and written communication skills required to educate patients, families/caregivers, hospital staff and the public; and to write reports and correspondence and document patient care activities.

5. Effective interpersonal skills required in interactions with patients and families/caregivers, CHI medical, nursing and allied medical staff, other clinical dietitians, other hospital personnel, and other agencies and institutions and the public.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Note frequency as Constantly (67-100%), Frequently (34-66%) and Occasionally (0-33%) for each requirement. Also note any lifting requirements with pound limit.

Sitting - frequently

Talking on phone/in person - frequently

Typing on a keyboard - frequently

Standing/walking - occasionally

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individual so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.