Clinical Dietitian (Registered Dietitian)

Quick Facts

• Role: Clinical Dietitian (Registered Dietitian)

Description

Clinical Dietitians deliver evidence-based Medical Nutrition Therapy by completing nutrition assessments, developing nutrition diagnoses, and creating individualized patient care plans. The role includes monitoring and evaluating interventions, calculating nutrient requirements and diet prescriptions, and documenting nutrition care in the medical record using ADIME/Nutrition Care Process (NCP) standards. Dietitians also provide individualized and group nutrition education, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and support quality improvement, compliance, and improved dining experiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations

• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) interventions; modify nutrition care plans as needed

• Calculate nutrient requirements; determine diet prescriptions, restrictions, and potential food-drug interactions

• Identify patients requiring nutrition support and recommend appropriate modes of support

• Document nutrition care using ADIME format; complete care plans, Minimum Data Set (MDS) documentation, and patient encounter documentation within required timeframes

• Provide individualized and group nutrition education and counseling for Veterans

• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and collaborate with clinical units, leadership, and Food Operations to enhance care and dining experiences

• Use virtual care technology and manage clinic grids to maximize access to nutrition services (situational telework; position is not primarily virtual)

• Maintain productivity standards and accurate daily clinical records with timely independent documentation

• Support service-level strategic planning and implement new initiatives, policies, procedures, and goals

• Participate in continuous performance improvement and quality/safety activities, including developing measures, collecting/evaluating data, and initiating corrective actions

• Comply with The Joint Commission and other accrediting agency requirements to support safe, high-quality patient care

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) required (or meet the non-credentialed pathway described)

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Complete online onboarding and pre-employment requirements

• Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959

• Participation in VA seasonal influenza vaccination program

• At GS-11 full performance level: at least 1 year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade

Benefits

A comprehensive federal benefits package is available; eligibility depends on position type.