Dietitian-Supplemental

The Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI), named Best Rehabilitation Hospital in Indiana in 2022 and 2023, provides quality rehabilitation services to those facing life-changing injuries or illness. We specialize in the areas of brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury and complex medical conditions. RHI is the only Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Model System in the state of Indiana and one of only 16 in the U.S. Our campus on the west side of Indianapolis specializes in inpatient and outpatient evidence-based, patient-centered therapy for ages 15 and older. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, along with a 401k match and tuition reimbursement program.

SUMMARY/PURPOSE OF JOB

The Supplemental Clinical Dietitian is responsible for coordinating the delivery of Clinical Dietitian services, including performing professional assessments, nutritional monitoring, and educational aspects of nutritional care for patients aged 18 years and older (exceptions may be made for younger patients under certain circumstances). This position will assist patients in setting and meeting nutritional goals for themselves that will contribute to their gaining maximum independence. This position is a PRN position that will provide coverage for the Lead Clinical Dietitian when they are on leave.

Understands and exhibits the principals of service excellence and leads by example. Additionally, understands that every employee is responsible for exhibiting exceptional customer service by answering call lights on the nursing unit and if not able to assist personally, will inform the appropriate employee regarding the patient's need. Understands the role of employee's individual position regarding HIPAA requirements and level of access to Protected Health Information as defined in HIPAA hospital-wide policies. Understands that it is the responsibility of every RHI staff member to provide patient safety as a priority response according to RHI evidence-based practices. Encourages patients to be actively involved in their own care as patient safety strategy.

JOB DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assesses and evaluates the nutritional status of patients as ordered. These assessments will be clearly communicated and documented for the care team. Works with all Providers and clinical care team to set meaningful and obtainable goals for patients so they may achieve their optimal recovery. Follows up on patient goals and constructs the necessary discharge plans.

Provides formal and informal educational opportunities and experiences to help patients meet their rehabilitation goals. Provides formal and informal nutrition education opportunities for staff.

Communicates pertinent information to other health care professionals and educates the health team on nutrition related topics. Makes recommendations to the physician, when necessary to improve the nutritional support provided to the hospital's patient population. This may include oral, parenteral or enteral feeding recommendations.

Stays current with nutritional standards for rehabilitation patients and serves as a resource for information relative to the nutritional care of patients. Maintains therapeutic relationships with patients so that quality nutritional education can occur with this population.

Participates in performance improvement / program evaluation activities and observes measures to ensure Hospital, Joint Commission and other quality standards and regulations are met.

Uses appropriate technique in performing duties to avoid or minimize accidents and injury related to unsafe practice. Proactively seeks information and resources, including the Environment of Care Manual, to aid in safe performance of duties to contribute to the RHI culture of safety.

Employee is focused on providing customer satisfaction (including, but not limited to, patients, co-workers, visitors, vendors and physicians) as a primary goal/outcome of all interactions; places customer first in the performance of job duties and responds to needs in a timely manner as evidenced by the absence of legitimate customer complaints.

Performs other duties as requested by the Director of Ancillary Services or Lead Clinical Dietitian.

IN PERFORMING PRIMARY JOB DUTIES/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Errors in assessment and evaluation of a patient's nutritional status, nutritional education for patients and staff, or failure to communicate pertinent information regarding a patient's health nutritional status could endanger a patient's health and inhibit their rehabilitation. Failure to set and follow up on meaningful goals for a patient could keep a patient from reaching his/her highest potential.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Must possess basic medical knowledge to understand the challenges of the rehabilitation setting. Must have the ability to acquire knowledge to set reasonable patient rehabilitation goals. Must be able to work in a team setting and contribute to patients reaching their highest potential. Must be able to work with all levels of food services staff to encourage and educate and work with a wide range of patients/families and staff with resultant cooperation leading to team building.

EXPERIENCE

Must have a minimum of one year in a rehabilitation setting or two years in an acute care setting. At least 2 years of experience as a Clinical Dietitian.

SPECIAL TRAINING, LICENSURE, CREDENTIALING

Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration and be licensed with the State of Indiana. Membership with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is desirable.

EDUCATION

Must possess B.S. or B.A. in Dietetics

EQUIPMENT USED

Company computer and basic office equipment

The Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.