Nutritionist

I. GENERAL SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the provision of optimal nutritional care to assigned adult and/or pediatric hospitalized patients, including assessing nutritional status, developing care plans with team and monitoring and revising these as needed throughout the hospitalization. Coordinates discharge planning with home care liaisons or chronic care facility. Functions as the nutrition expert and nutrition advocate on the health care team..

II. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Teaches and assesses diet records per study protocol. See attached study specific responsibilities.
• Provides nutritional assessment of each patient based on the patient's medical records and nutritional history.
• Develops an individualized diet plan (based on the evaluation) and counsels the patient and, if necessary, the family, including the planning, purchasing, the preparation of foods to meet the patient's individual needs.
• Follows progress of patients on successive visits and makes appropriate changes in care plan.
• Maintains the necessary patient records and statistics including written evaluations, progress notes, etc.
• Teaches and precepts students. Supervises their progress in evaluating patients, planning dietary programs, counseling and interacting with patients, and recording treatment information.
• Plans, implements and evaluates group sessions.
• Coordinates nutritional services with medial services.
• Provides formal classroom instruction to students, particularly within one's area of expertise/specialization, as required.
• Provides, upon request, nutritional consultations to member of medical staff.
• Performs necessary administrative duties such as scheduling patient's appointments, reviews medical records and records billing information.
• Participates, as required, in nutrition-related studies and projects.
• Provides in-service education to the patient care team, as required.
• Assists in the training of new personnel.
• Acts as a resource to community groups regarding nutrition and gives presentations and lectures at professional meetings and to community groups.
• Assists in the preparing of yearly goals and works toward meeting the agreed upon goals.
• Participates in special projects such as the hypertension project.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to the Director of Nutrition Center,

III. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Qualifications:

IV. AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process. This includes:

* Knowledge of growth and development

* Ability to interpret age specific data and response to care

* Provide age specific communication

V. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Inpatient and outpatient clinic patient care areas. Occasional exposure to sick patients and bodily substances.

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at careers@tuftsmedicine.org.