Job Summary / Purpose

The Clinical Dietitian II assesses the nutritional status of the patient using recognized tools of assessment, and recommends and counsels patients, family, and/or caregivers on the appropriate nutrition plan to improve the patient’s disease or condition management. The Clinical Dietitian II supports, models and trains Clinical Dietitian I's in the core behaviors and responsibilities of the department and organization. Performs business functions, such as management of resources in a cost-effective manner, and participates in compliance and quality performance improvement efforts to ensure that nutrition care is safe and effective. This position also assists the Clinical Nutrition Director (if applicable) with coordination of clinical nutrition services.

Essential Key Job Responsibilities

1. Conducts patient screening in accordance with specialized clinical guidelines for those at a specific nutritional risk. Performs nutritional assessment using age and gender appropriate standards, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds; and utilizing validated assessment tools resulting in nutrition related diagnosis when indicated. Conducts routine screening to identify patients at nutritional risk. Collaborates within an interdisciplinary environment to contribute to facilitating care and identifying patients at nutrition risk or needing higher levels of care.
2. Implements targeted and specific nutrition intervention(s) based on the specific medical condition. Provides customized nutrition education to patients and/or families and caregivers. Actively participates as a member of the multi-specialty, interdisciplinary care team to contribute toward overall patient care. Closely monitors, evaluates and rescreens patient nutrition status as appropriate. Updates plan of care as necessary. Follow up with patients as needed. 
3. Develops an intervention plan which includes appropriate feeding route, mode, and nutrition prescription unique to patient's specific needs, in accordance with physicians' orders. Monitors and evaluates patient response to interventions by meeting specific measurable goals documented in the nutrition care plan in a timely and thorough manner in the medical record. CA Only: For neonates and pediatric patients, coordinates nutrition services with California Children's Services (CCS). Must be a California Children's Services (CCS) paneled provider if providing nutrition care to NICU or pediatric patients with a CCS-approved facility. 
4. Collaborates with the Food and Nutrition Services team to enhance patient experience. This includes participating in test trays, menu reviews, periodic auditing of trayline for accuracy of diet orders, validating menu compliance with the facility Diet Manual Handbook and Nutrition Care Manual (NCM), supporting with patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, etc.), maintaining communication with patients, staff, and guests and providing excellent customer service. Participates in peer reviews and chart audits, and collaborates in Diet Manual Handbook training for all clinical staff (new registered dietitians, nurses, therapists, physicians, etc.), including how to access it in hard and soft copy. Supports in the training/development of Clinical Dietitian I, patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, interns, etc.) as well as other positions as needed. This may include leading Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) training sessions and workshops for overall hospital clinical staff such as nurses, therapists, and physicians. 
5. Functions routinely with high acuity patients requiring advanced competency to provide expert level of care and nutrition therapy in Neonatal intensive care units, Pediatric units, enteral/parenteral nutrition support and order writing privileges, oncology, renal, diabetes, and gerontology. 

Required Education
Bachelor's Degree with completion of accredited dietetics program (ACEND - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition Dietetics). 

Required Work Experience
Three (3) years acute care hospital or similar experience working with patients in more complex levels of care to specialized populations.

Required Licensure and Certification

Registered Dietitian upon hire

Dietitian: TX within 3 months

We are offering a $10,000 Sign On Bonus to new hires that meet the eligibility requirements. 

St. Luke's Health - Memorial Hospital in Lufkin, TX, paves the way for quality innovative health care in East Texas. With hospitals in Lufkin, Livingston, and San Augustine, St. Luke’s Health provides more than a quarter of a million patient services each year. Our facility is a collaboration between St. Luke’s Health and a team of specialized physicians focused on General and Interventional Cardiology, Sports Medicine, and Orthopedics, including Total Joint Replacement and Spine Care.

CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. With more than 700 care sites across the U.S. & from clinics and hospitals to home-based care and virtual care services CommonSpirit is accessible to nearly one out of every four U.S. residents. Our world needs compassion like never before. Our communities need caring and our families need protection. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community.

We offer the following benefits to support you and your family:

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid Time Off (PTO) 
• Tuition Assistance for career growth and development
• Matching Retirement Programs 
• Wellness Programs