Nutritionist Job description

Job brief

The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) provides nutrition consultation and education for patients and their families who are screened at nutrition risk, identified with nutrition risk, and/or referred by physicians or other healthcare providers for nutrition-related problems, chronic disease management, management of nutrition support, to meet regulatory requirements, or for prevention and wellness.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and assesses nutrition status of patients, and screens patients for nutritional risk in accordance with established department protocols and standards.
• Plans and initiates medical nutrition therapy to patients if indicated by patient requirements and clinical protocol.
• Certifies patients for specific program benefits.
• Educates and counsels patients and families on nutritional issues, either individually or in groups.
• Communicates individual nutritional care plans to other health care providers as a member of a health care team.
• Monitors store participation; identifies and resolves problems between stores and patients.
• Orders and maintains inventory of program supplies, including patient checks, for all clinics.
• Performs various administrative duties related to public health nutrition programs.
• Maintains professional growth and development through completion of required departmental competencies.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education & Registration:

• BSc Human Nutrition or equivalent as recognized by Department of Health
• Registered with CORU

Experience & Knowledge:

• Minimum of 6 months post graduate dietetic experience
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Complies with relevant professional ethics, code of professional practice, CORU code of practice
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good presentation skills
• Basic computer skills using Word, PowerPoint and dietary analysis program

Personal Attributes:

• Confident
• Self-motivated, reliable and able to work independently
• Active advocate of the patient
• Flexible, adaptable and creative
• Able to reflect and appraise own performance
• Able to maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders