Diet Technician

How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.

Work Shift

Diet Technician
 

Identifies patients with nutrition risk factors utilizing standardized nutrition screening criteria in congruence with CDR Diet Technician scope of practice. Refers patients with identified nutrition risk factors to Clinical Dietitians for nutrition assessment and intervention. Collaborates with Clinical Dietitians, Patient Meal services team members and the patient's multidisciplinary team to provide care to patients. For designated patients, monitors for status changes, patient or family questions, care team observations, meal intake, and need for a snack, nutritional supplement, or nutrition education on therapeutic diet. Provides nutrition education materials to patients and patient family members within approved scope. Fosters continuity of care and updates patient's medical health record to communicate changes in patient's nutritional status. Uses standardized patient follow-up criteria for designated patients. Assists Clinical Dietitians with Dietetic Intern competency and training. Participates in quality improvement initiatives to enhance best practices.

Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Develops, implements and promotes quality services based on client expectations and needs:
  * Identifies patients with nutrition risk factors utilizing standardized nutrition screening criteria in congruence with CDR Diet Technician scope of practice.
  * Collaborates with patient and/or family member, and health care team to assess nutrition risk factors and education needs of patients.
  * Provides services and establishes goals based on the identified needs of patients and/or family members; escalates level of care to Clinical Dietitian as appropriate.
  * Applies knowledge and skills in developing, implementing and maintaining nutrition care.
  * Continuously evaluates nutrition screening processes and patient outcomes.
• Systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of practice and revises practice as needed to incorporate results of evaluation:
  * Continuously evaluates and refines service based on measurable outcomes by keeping a productivity log.
  * Identifies expected outcomes of patient care.
  * Selects the appropriate terminology based on the audience's level of understanding.
  * Seeks innovative solutions to address a challenging situation without jeopardizing the well-being of the customer and the profession.
  * Demonstrates a clear understanding of the nature of a practice problem and formulates methods to investigate and resolve practice problems.
  * Participates in quality improvement initiatives and projects.
• Engages in lifelong self-development to improve knowledge and skills that promote continued competence:
  * Conducts yearly self-assessment to identify professional strengths and weaknesses.
  * Identifies needs for professional development.
  * Assists Clinical Dietitians with Dietetic Intern competency and training.
  * Documents professional development activities according to system policies.
  * Engage in continuous learning opportunities to further develop skills and capabilities in application, technical and functional areas.

Required for All Jobs

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Qualifications:

Required Minimum Education:

• Associate's Degree from an accredited institution with a major in Dietetics required or related field. 
• Completion of a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician program accredited by ACEND required.

Required Minimum Experience:

• Six months to one year of related experience highly preferred.
• Experience with electronic medical record charting systems and other software relative to food service systems required.

Required Minimum Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of best practices in the dietetics profession.
• Ability to think critically in screening patients for nutrition risk factors and appropriately escalating to Clinical Dietitians.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to work with patient interests and health in mind.

Required Minimum License and Certification:

• Dietetic Tech - Registered required.
• AHA- Basic Life Support certification required.

Join us and discover the support to do more meaningful work—and enjoy a more rewarding life. Connect with the most integrated health system in Georgia, and start a future that gives you more.