JOB SUMMARY

The Nutrition Specialist of Transplant researches nutritional requirements of patients with complicated medical conditions and develop care plans. Provides nutrition therapy and education to patients, families, and community. Evaluates patient dietary needs and implement nutrition therapy. Documents patient response to care. Provides nutritional counseling on patients with complex diets. Develops and conducts educational programs and in-service training programs. Participates in multi-disciplinary patient rounds and/or patient case conferences.

QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION - Masters’
• EXPERIENCE - A minimum of 2 years experience required

• Perform nutritional assessment of patients with complicated medical conditions using advanced biochemical, clinical, and anthropometric data. Examine patient medical and non-medical information through interviewing patients and/or care givers and reviewing medical records interpreting and applying results.
• Provide 1-on-1 and/or group nutrition counseling on complex diets requiring combination of restrictions. Assess factors affecting dietary compliance; socio-economic factors, past history, family dynamics, etc. Establish and implement dietary plans. Provide information on fitness and exercise as related to weight management and diet.
• Document pertinent information in appropriate medical record and monitor patient to establish need for appropriate modification in nutritional management.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary patient rounds and/or case conferences and in discharge planning in order to gather and exchange information, ask patient response to care plan, and maximize efficiency and effectiveness of patient care. Participate in various meetings related to nutrition education, patient care standards, or dietetic internship program in order to gather and exchange information.
• Research, develop, and deliver educational and instructional programs and classes for patients, families, staff, dietetic interns, community groups, and other interested healthcare professionals. Develop nutrition educational tools such as handouts, pamphlets, booklets, etc. Document training programs for Baylor Scott & White Health (BSWH) Staff. Assist with training, instruction, and evaluation of dietetic interns. Develop nutrition classes, educational materials, and curriculum for dietetic internship program.
• Participate in research studies through data collection and literature reviews or as co-investigator. Develop and deliver presentations on research-related topics.
• Maintain current knowledge of nutrition services functions through reading literature, attending workshops, seminars, conferences, and by participating in professional organizations. Evaluate and appropriately utilize pertinent current research information related to nutritional care.
• Participate in Quality Assurance Program by assisting in development of patient care criteria and studying actual care delivered.