PERFORMANCE PLANNING

Provides nutrition services for inpatient and outpatient, including completion of nutrition assessment, nutrition education, individualized meal planning, education and training in diabetes self-management. Works with individuals and families and groups of people with diabetes.

                                                                        KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Carries out nutrition assessment of patient.

Develops individualized meal plan with patient and family (as available).

Provides nutrition education for patient and family.

Provides education and training in diabetes self-management skills to patient and family, with focus on nutrition, weight control, exercise, blood sugar

control and behavior change.

Identifies patients having special problems in learning or diabetes management and who require additional care.

Documents assessment, education plan, and patient progress.

Provides instruction in group settings for those who are appropriate candidate.

Generates written report of patient status and teaching to the referring physician or agency.

Documents patient visit for statistical and billing purposes.

Develops nutrition curriculum and educational materials.

Participates as a professional team member of the DCH Diabetes Center.

Participates in performance improvement activities.

Assists with program support functions as needed.

Represents DCH and the DCH Diabetes Center to the community and promotes public awareness of diabetes at programs and health fairs.

DCH Standards:

Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.

Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.

• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

                                                           MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration and current Alabama Dietitian license issued by the Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetic/Nutrition.  At least two years of experience as a dietitian preferred. Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) OR, must meet the diabetes education contact-hour requirements of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists AND, acquire teaching experience to meet eligibility requirements to take CDCES exam. Take and pass CDCES exam within 3 years of hire date/transfer date. Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS Certification. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English. Good communication and teaching skills. Legible handwriting.  Basic word processing and computer skills.  Able to use standard office equipment such as telephone, computer, copier, and fax. Membership in professional organizations is encouraged, particularly the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.

                                                                                        WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK CONTEXT

• Must be able to engage a client interaction for up to two hours or a class session for up to three hours.
• Must be able to educate and document on a patient within the two-hour block of time. 
• Must be able to complete all documentation within two days after teaching a large group of patients.  
• Must be able to respond to and teach a wide range of client ages, abilities, backgrounds, and needs.