Clinical Dietitian

Quick Facts

• Clinical Dietitian position in Nutrition & Food Services
• Full-time (40 hours/week) in extended/long-term care

Description

The Clinical Dietitian independently plans, develops, and directs all nutrition care activities for assigned veterans with complex medical and nutritional needs. The role uses the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) and Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) to assess, diagnose nutrition problems, and implement individualized Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). The dietitian coordinates care with healthcare providers, the Veteran, and caregivers, and provides evidence-based nutrition education using motivational interviewing and Whole Health principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using NCP
• Develop and implement individualized MNT aligned with patient goals
• Perform NFPE to determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition
• Calculate nutrient requirements and diet restrictions, including food/drug interactions
• Evaluate data patterns to identify possible root causes of nutrition problems
• Tailor diet prescriptions to physical and metabolic needs, considering psychosocial, behavioral, activity, and cultural factors
• Use evidence-based guidelines and Whole Health principles to set shared goals
• Provide nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups within the interdisciplinary team
• Use motivational interviewing to assess readiness to learn and change behaviors
• Evaluate learning outcomes and adapt counseling materials to patient understanding
• Provide follow-up education and determine when consultation or referral is needed
• Serve as nutrition expert for medical staff
• Support compliance with Joint Commission and other accrediting standards
• Utilize virtual care technology (e.g., VA Video Connect, Secure Messaging) as needed
• Provide coverage for vacancies and leave as assigned

Benefits

A comprehensive federal benefits package is provided; eligibility depends on position type and full-time status.