Pediatric Dietitian I - Outpatient Clinic Support

The Pediatric Dietitian I (PD I) provides evidence-based nutrition care to patients/families using practice skills which satisfy the needs/concerns of assigned patients. The PD I can formulate and implement an individualized nutrition care plan using current medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The PD I contributes to nutrition care decisions that lead to positive outcomes and is an effective educator. The PD I addresses routine problems in the work environment by providing assistance or referring these to other, more experienced team members. The PD I prioritizes workload, delivers nutrition care to assigned patients, and discusses/assists/advocates for the nutritional care needs of the patient/family. This position receives oversight by the Manager, Clinical Nutrition Services. Ability to manage daily workload, identify routine problems in the work area and solve problems with advice/assistance from others is required.

• Provides nutrition care to assigned patients/families with general pediatric nutritional conditions/disorders, ages and developmental stages. Contributes to decisions by using critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the patient care setting. Professional knowledge and skills meet generalist-level indicators from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Scope of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for pediatric dietitians.
  
• Assesses the nutritional needs of patients, develops and implements an effective MNT plan of care, recommends and implements effective interventions and monitors/evaluates nutrition care outcomes for patients in a timely manner. Follows Phoenix Children's standards of care and evidence-based practice guidelines applicable to assigned patients. Develops nutrition plan of care that is integrated with the patient’s total health care needs and includes the psychosocial, ethnic, cultural and religious needs of the patient/family. Responds to and is sensitive to individual differences, varying socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
  
• Selects the appropriate feeding modality for the patient and accurately calculates nutritional needs. Changes to the nutrition plan of care are made according to findings in a timely fashion.
  
• Assumes a proactive role with patient/family education and patient/family satisfaction in the practice setting. Provides nutrition education to patients/families by identifying preferred learning style and then selecting technique, tools and materials which promote/enhance learning. Adapts teaching style to facilitate learning and behavior modification for individual patients/families. Assumes personal accountability to enhance the patient experience by using high quality, patient satisfaction-directed interactions/tools/activities in the execution of duties. Interacts with patients and families in a compassionate and respectful manner at all times. Seeks assistance from more experienced team members and management to satisfy patient/family when needed.
  
• Documents nutrition care plans and recommendations accurately, concisely and adheres to documentation policies and standards. Ensures timely availability of information for inclusion in the interdisciplinary care plan.
  
• Participates in teaching/patient rounds for assigned patients. Information shared contributes to and supports decisions by the interdisciplinary team to meet patient care goals. Serves as a liaison between the health care team and family for the purpose of accommodating individual needs and preferences. Understands, interprets and responds to age specific cues, non-verbal communication and caregiver feedback relative to nutrition care plan.
  
• Carries out patient care-related duties under routine supervision and addresses routine problems encountered for assigned patients. Recognizes limits of knowledge/experience for self and asks others for assistance when needed when outside of current practice area. Seeks out new learning opportunities to increase knowledge and experience with guidance from others.
  
• Serves the hospital, the community and other health care organizations as a resource for nutrition-related information. Provides nutrition education to the interdisciplinary health care team and the community, upon request. Participates in projects and activities that promote health and well-being of patients, staff, and community. Projects may involve nutrition practice standards, regulatory agency standards, hospital and/or departmental operations systems, quality and performance improvement initiatives, safety, research, education and mentoring/development of others.
  
• Demonstrates understanding of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of quality and performance improvement. Participates and supports change that improves/enhances care, treatment and services. Demonstrates understanding of hospital and departmental policies, operational systems, safety practices organizational goals and initiatives. Abides by regulatory standards.
  
• Performs miscellaneous job related duties as requested.
  

To advance hope, healing and the best healthcare for children and their families

Phoenix Children's will be the leading pediatric health system in the Southwest, nationally recognized for exceptional care, innovative research and advanced medical education.

We realize this vision by:

• Offering the most comprehensive care across ages, communities and specialties
• Investing in innovative research, including emerging treatments, tools and technologies
• Advancing education and training to shape the next generation of clinical leaders
• Advocating for the health and well-being of children and families

• We place children and families at the center of all we do
• We deliver exceptional care, every day and in every way
• We collaborate with colleagues, partners and communities to amplify our impact
• We set the standards of pediatric healthcare today, and innovate for the future
• We are accountable for making the highest quality care accessible and affordable