Clinical Dietitian

Welcome to Saint Joseph Hospital a 433-bed hospital founded in 1877 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth as the first hospital in Lexington Kentucky. Led by Sister Euphrasia Stafford the mission to provide compassionate care to the underserved is still carried out today. Saint Joseph Hospital holds over two dozen national ranks and recognitions and is recognized as a 2024 Best Place to Work in Kentucky. 

Saint Joseph is part of CommonSpirit Health a non-profit Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. With approximately 175000 employees and 25000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians. 

Our commitment to serve the common good is delivered through the dedicated work of thousands of physicians advanced practice clinicians nurses and staff; through clinical excellence delivered across a system of 140 hospitals and more than 2200 care centers serving 24 states. 

JOB SUMMARY / PURPOSE

The Clinical Dietitian Lead assesses the nutritional status of the patient using recognized tools of
assessment, and recommends and counsels patients, family, and /or caregivers on the appropriate
nutrition plan to improve the patient's disease or condition management. The Clinical Dietitian Lead
coordinates and assists with clinical nutrition administrative duties and mentors Clinical Dietitians and
students. Performs administrative duties, participates in patient satisfaction, quality management, and
performance improvement projects and meetings. Collaborates with the leadership in Food and
Nutrition Services, as well as leadership in other departments as it relates to patient care and nutrition.
Performs duties of Clinical Dietitian II on a regular basis.

ESSENTIAL KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts patient screening in accordance with specialized clinical guidelines for those at a
specific nutritional risk. Performs nutritional assessment using age and gender appropriate
standards, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds; and utilizing validated assessment tools
resulting in nutrition related diagnosis when indicated. Conducts routine screening to identify patients at nutritional risk. Collaborates within an interdisciplinary environment to contribute to facilitating care and identifying patients at nutrition risk or needing higher level of care.

2. Supports patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, etc.) and provides for the
operational needs of these positions. Collaborates in maintaining regulatory compliance
(including TJC, CMS, state specific department of health, etc.) and infection control practices.
Promotes a positive patient experience by maintaining communication with patients, staff, and
guests and providing excellent customer service. This data is relayed to the management team
and/or staff whenever necessary.

3. Develops an intervention plan which includes appropriate feeding route, mode, and nutrition
prescription unique to patient's specific needs, in accordance with physicians' orders. Monitors
and evaluates patient response to interventions by meeting specific measurable goals
documented in the nutrition care plan in a timely and thorough manner in the medical record.
Implements targeted and specific nutrition intervention(s) based on the specific medical
condition. Provides customized nutrition education to patients and/or families and caregivers.
Actively participates as a member of the multi-specialty, interdisciplinary care team to
contribute toward overall patient care. Closely monitors, evaluates and rescreens patient
nutrition status as appropriate. Updates plan of care as necessary. Follow up with patients as
needed. CA Only: For neonates and pediatric patients, coordinates nutrition services with
California Children's Services (CCS). Must be a California Children's Services (CCS) paneled
provider if providing nutrition care to NICU or pediatric patients with a CCS-approved facility.

4. Supports in maintaining adequate staffing for clinical daily needs reflecting cost efficiency.
Collaborates in the process of menu development for patients. Supports in managing the facility
diet manual, as well as patient diet and nutritional compliance, and participates in hospital
committees as needed (e.g. Quality and P&T committees.) May also act as the highest ranking
RD as needed. Participates in peer reviews and chart audits, and collaborates in Diet Manual
Handbook training for all clinical staff (new registered dietitians, nurses, therapists, physicians,
etc.), including how to access it in hard and soft copy. Coordinates and leads the
training/development of Clinical Dietitians I & II, patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet
clerks, interns, etc.) as well as other positions as needed. This may include leading Medical
Nutrition Therapy (MNT) training sessions and workshops for overall hospital clinical staff such
as nurses, therapists, and physicians.

5. Functions routinely with high acuity patients requiring advanced competency to provide expert
level of care and nutrition therapy in Neonatal intensive care units, Pediatric units,
enteral/parenteral nutrition support and order writing privileges, oncology, renal, diabetes, and
gerontology.

6. Other Duties as assigned by the Leader.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Two (2) years of acute hospital experience working with patients in more complex levels of care, including specialized populations (e.g., pediatric, bariatric, ICU, etc.).
• Bachelor's Degree with completion of an accredited dietetics program (ACEND - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics).

Required Licensure and Certifications

• Registered Dietitian upon hire.
• State Licensure (within 3 months of hire):
  • KY

Preferred Licensure and Certifications

• Board Certification in one or more of the following areas:
  • Oncology
  • Pediatric and Pediatric Critical Care
  • Renal
  • Gerontological
• Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (NBNSC) - ASPEN.
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (NCBDE).
• Outpatient/Wellness Center/Rehabilitation:
  • Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics
  • Obesity and Weight Management.
• In lieu of board certifications, three (3) years of acute care hospital or similar experience working with patients in complex levels of care with specialized populations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Training

• None.