Clinical Dietitian (Kingston, Jamaica) - Bellevue Hospital

Job Category: Medical
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Bellevue Hospital

OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Clinical Dietitian (HTAC/NDT 2) utilizes critical thinking skills to interpret and translate scientific and medical decisions relating to nutrition and health in resolving nutrition problems and concerns of patients throughout the lifecycle. Use actions of nutrition assessment, nutrition intervention, nutrition monitoring and evaluation to identify problems and formulate solutions and document in patient medical records. When functioning in an organization that provides food service, the Clinical Dietitian cooperates and coordinates activities with those of the Department Management Team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

NUTRITION ASSESSMENT

A Systematic process of collecting, verifying, and interpreting data in to make decisions about the nature and cause of nutrition-related problems.

• Identify patients needing nutrition care through attendance on ward rounds and referrals.
• Collect anthropometric and biochemical measures, clinical and dietary data.
• Collect and analyze information and behavioral status.
• Review dietary intake for factor that affects health conditions and nutrition risks.
• Evaluate anthropometric and biochemical measurements clinical and dietary data.

Nutrition diagnosis is the identification and labeling of that describes and actual occurrence, risk of, and potential for developing a nutritional problem.

• Utilize critical thinking to analyze nutrition assessment data in medical record.
• Document in medical record, revise and update nutrition diagnosis statement.

Nutrition intervention is a purposefully planned set of actions designed with the intent of changing nutrition, related behavior, risk factor, environmental condition or aspect of health status for individual patient in group.

• Develop a nutrition care plan for individuals or groups.
• Identify desired outcomes/goals of nutrition care based on the assessment of the client’s needs.
• Select the appropriate method to achieve these goals.
• Involve patients and other healthcare team members in the goal development process.

Implement a nutrition care plan for individuals or groups.

• Communicate with client(s) concerning his/her role in implementing the plan.
• Communicate dietary plans concerning patients with foodservice
• Document nutritional care in medical records.
• Evaluates nutritional care and provides for continuity of care.
• Participates in health team rounds/services as a consultant on Nutritional care.
• Conduct Dietary counseling sessions utilizing effective interviewing skills to motivate individuals and families throughout the nutrition care process.

Nutrition Monitoring & Evaluation

• The purpose of monitoring and evaluation is to determine the degree to which progress is being made and goals or desired outcomes are being met.
• Assess patients understanding and compliance with a nutrition care plan.
• Determine if the intervention is being implemented as prescribed.
• Identify other positive or negative outcomes that affect nutrition status.
• Gather information indicating reasons for lack of progress.
• Compare current findings with previous status intervention goals and or reference standards.
• Conduct nutrition out-patient clinic(s)
• Teach patients how to make nutritionally sound food choices to speed the recovery process, prevent disease and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Demonstrate effective writing skills in recording, reporting, and presenting information.
• Apply management skills and knowledge of Clinical Nutrition to participate in Quality Assurance Program for Nutritional Care of patients.
• Participate in orientation and in-service training programs for employees and staff to promote the expertise of the dietitian.

NUTRITION SUPPORT

• Apply knowledge of special Dietary products their composition application and their condition to the nutrition care of patients.
• Confer with physicians and other healthcare professionals to coordinate medical and nutritional needs, and make recommendations for:
• Enteral nutrition support/tube feeding
• Parental nutrition support (Intravenous feedings)
• Oral Supplementation

CLINICAL ADMINISTRATION

• Complete one or more special projects per year.
• Conduct orientation and in-service training programs for employees and staff. 3. Inform health care team about laws regulations and guidelines related to nutrition care.
• Participate in programs such as quality improvement staff development, hospital committees as requested.
• Supervise daily work of dietetic technicians assign to clinical services; provide input into evaluation but doesn’t directly evaluate their performance.
• Precept dietetic interns and provide on-the-job training for newly hired clinical staff.
• Plan and coordinate the work schedule and daily workload of the clinical dietitians and dietetic interns.
• Develop, review, update and implement educational materials to meet the needs of patients and professionals.
• Prepare monthly costing for products used in the clinical management of patients Prepare and submit a monthly report and submit to Regional Dietitian
• Determine the suitability of special Dietary products based on
• Product comparative analysis
• Product cost-effectiveness
• Disease state
• Submit requisition for purchasing.

JOB SPECIFICATION/COMPETENCIES [Minimum]

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics/Nutrition from an accredited institution.
• One (1) year supervised internship program in Dietetics/Nutrition.
• Dietetics Internship Certificate.
• Registration with Council of Professions Allied to Medicine.
• Membership in Professional Organizations e.g. CANDi, AND, EDA, DoC, JANDi, JAPINAD.
• Continuing education.

Applications accompanied by resumes should be submitted no later than Friday, May 24, 2024 to:-

Human Resource Manager
Bellevue Hospital
16 ½ Windward Road
Kingston 2,
Or
Email: bvh.resumes@gmail.com

Closing date: May 24, 2024

While we appreciate and will review all submissions, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.