Appropriate nutrition is an important part of good health, and it is just one of the ways that Legacy strives to make life better for others. When our patients have the appropriate diet plan, they take one more step toward improved health. If you are a dietician who enjoys working closely with patients and being part of an interdisciplinary team, consider this role within our inspiring healthcare community.

Legacy Silverton Medical Center serves the heart of the Willamette Valley with a wide mix of services, many not typically available in a community hospital: CT scan (computerized tomography), nuclear medicine, echocardiography, family birth center and much more.

Patient Care

Conducts a nutrition assessment for patients at nutrition risk. Obtains timely and appropriate data and analyzes/interprets data based on evidence-based standards.

Performs nutrition diagnosis after identifying the problem and clarifying the cause of the problem.

Develops and implements an individualized plan for nutrition intervention in accordance with the patient’s medical program goals and objective, nutrition prescription, and self-management training. May require development of a therapeutic plan for specialized nutrition support, including enteral and parenteral nutrition.

Utilizes assessment and evaluation techniques that consider the varied needs of age-specific populations as well as cultural, religious and ethnic concerns.

Evaluates the effectiveness and measures progress towards outcomes of medical nutrition therapy interventions. Reassesses nutrition care process and implements changes as indicated.

Communicates with the medical team through interdisciplinary meetings, rounds, and medical conferences.

Provides appropriate documentation that summarizes the nutrition care plan in the patient’s medical record including nutrition assessment, diagnosis, plan, implementation, and progress toward goals.

Works cooperatively with food service staff to assure conformance to diet prescription.

Demonstrates accountability for the proper use of patients’ protected health information.

Business-Related Functions

May act as Computrition software super user.

Maintains productivity standards and practices effective time management and prioritizing of tasks.

Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities including information for billing.

Manages resources (time and materials) in a cost-effective manner.

Assists in developing and revising patient education materials, clinical forms and practice guidelines.

Supports and promotes LHS infection control, safety, risk management and customer relation programs.

Assists in achieving compliance with JCAHO standards.

Participates in the orientation and training of new dietitians.

Nutrition Education

Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition counseling for individuals and groups.

Evaluates achievement of learning objectives by the patient and/or family. Provides appropriate follow-up in accordance with the patient’s treatment goals, referring patients for outpatient counseling, community or home health services as appropriate.

Serves as a resource to medical staff and allied health personnel on nutrition issues.

May oversee the orientation, training and education of dietetic interns.

Conducts in-services and educational presentations to hospital/department staff.

Demonstrates support for Continuous Quality Improvement.

Identifies and collects performance improvement data, monitors outcomes, and initiates corrective actions.

Participates in Legacy Health CQI efforts.

May lead or assist in planning and developing nutrition-related policies, procedures, and goals.

Professional Development

Maintains dietetic registration, applicable state licensure and continuing education requirements.

Develops and implements an individualized plan for professional growth and development including participation in professional organizations and activities, workshops, seminars, and staff development programs.

Education:

As required by applicable state licensure.

Skills:          

Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form to patients, public, physicians and interdisciplinary health care team. Able to function independently on assigned patient care units.  General knowledge of nutrient analysis, word processing and spreadsheet software.  Basic familiarity with computers preferred.

LEGACY’S VALUES IN ACTION:

Follows guidelines set forth in Legacy’s Values in Action

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled

Registered Dietitian required. Applicable state licensure required.