Dietitian (Clinical)

This Clinical Dietitian position is in the Nutrition & Food Services at the VA Boston Healthcare System at the Brockton, MA location. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week in extended/long-term care. PRINCIPALES MISSIONS : The clinical dietitian is responsible for independently planning, developing and directing all nutritional care activities for assigned veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. The incumbent supports the facility's mission and coordinates nutritional care with other health care providers, the Veteran, and their caregiver. Increasing complexity and specialization in nutrition requires that the clinical dietitian have expertise in a wide range of disease entities and treatment modalities. The clinical dietitian's expertise is specific to diagnosing nutrition problems and the nutrition ramifications of disease entities and medical treatment modalities. Assessment methodologies such as identifying physical signs of malnutrition, drug/nutrient interactions and depletions, and assessment of intake and nutrient losses are critical skills used by clinical dietitians.Major duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to): Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for assigned patients. Develops and implements an individualized plan for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives. Performs a Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) during assessments to determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition. Calculates nutrient requirements (calories, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, electrolytes and fluids) and necessary diet restrictions or food/drug interactions. Evaluates patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible root causes for nutrition problems Tailors diet prescription to each individual patient according to physical and metabolic needs. With an understanding of the patient's health condition, designs the nutritional treatment plan with consideration for psychosocial, behavioral, physical activity, ethnic and cultural factors to obtain desirable outcomes and promote long term adherence to a medical nutrition care plan. Prioritizes the importance of nutrition problems for optimal health, recovery from illness, management of chronic disease or disease prevention. Utilizes evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines and Whole Health Principles to develop shared goals with the patient and formulates a plan of care that is focused on the etiology of the nutrition problem. Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups within the interdisciplinary team Assists in achieving compliance with The Joint Commission, or other accrediting agency standards to continuously improve the safety and quality of care. Serves as the nutrition expert for medical staff on the nutritional management of patients. Utilizes motivational interviewing techniques to evaluate patient and/or caregiver's readiness to learn and potential for changing behaviors. Evaluates achievement of learning objectives by the patient and/or family. Adapts nutrition education materials and counseling techniques to the patient's level of understanding, which frequently involves simplifying complex dietary restrictions. Utilizes virtual care technology such as VA Video Connect (VVC) and Secure Messaging (SM) to improve access to nutrition care. Provides follow-up nutrition education/counseling in accordance with the patient's treatment goals and determines when a problem requires consultation or referral to another provider or service. Performs other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the service and patients to include providing support/coverage for vacancies and leave. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8-4:30 pm with possible rotation at West Roxbury acute care every 5-6 weeks. Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Func

Salaire : $57,150 – $109,959/Per Year | Avantages : http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans? The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries. The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence ("I CARE"). As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the Nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through t