Nutritionist

I. GENERAL SUMMARY:

Reports to the Director of Nutrition of FSNC and provides nutritional assessment, support and consultation to ambulatory pediatric patients and families referred from clinics and physicians. Based on clinical data, physicians orders, and patients' lifestyle, develops with patient or caretaker a realistic plan for adherence to a prescribed regimen. Serves as a pediatric nutrition resource for staff, students and appropriate community groups.

II. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides nutritional assessment of each pediatric ambulatory patient based on the patient's medical records and nutritional history.

• Assesses patients' nutritional status based on clinical data including detailed nutritional history, birth history, and medical history, as well as laboratory data, and medications.

• Develops an individualized nutrition plan, based on the nutritional assessment and data, for oral and enteral regimens in conjunction with the care team. Designs specialized enteral formulas with modified macro- and micronutrients in order to provide optimal nutritional support for the patient's age, weight, and medical condition and counsels the patient and family on the planning, purchasing, and preparation of foods to meet the patient's individual needs.

• Follows progress of patients on successive visits and makes appropriate changes in care plan.

• Maintains the necessary patient records and statistics including written evaluations, progress notes, and assessments.

• Precepts the FSNC nutrition interns (graduate students) and other trainees during their pediatric affiliations. Supervises their progress in assessing patients, developing care plans, and counseling pediatric patients and families.

• Plans, implements and evaluates need for group sessions, other clinic appropriate activities

• Coordinates nutritional services with medical services.

• Provides formal classroom instruction to students, particularly within one's area of expertise/specialization, as required.

• Performs necessary administrative duties such as scheduling patient appointments, reviewing medical records, records billing information, and obtains patient referral numbers for insurance.

• Participates, as required, in nutrition related studies and projects.

• Provides in-service education to the patient care team, as required.

• Assists in the training of new personnel.

• Acts as a resource to community groups regarding nutrition and gives presentations and lectures at professional meetings and to community groups.

• Assists in the preparing of yearly goals and works toward meeting the agreed upon goals.

• Participates, as required, in nutrition-related studies and projects. Participates in special projects to enhance the activities and image of the Frances Stern Nutrition Center.

• Maintains competencies in pediatric nutrition.

• Uses Professional Practice guidelines for outpatient services.

• Monitors monthly revenue reports, assists team with actions as necessary to meet budget requirements.

• Evaluates customer survey results and participates in service improvement programs as necessary.

• Participates in the review, update and implementation of departmental policies and procedures as assigned.

• Participates in departmental quality improvement programs as assigned.

• Consistently applies the corporate values of respect, honesty and fairness and the constant pursuit of excellence in improving the health status of the people of the region through the provision of customer-friendly, geographically accessible and high-value services within the environment of a comprehensive integrated academic health care system.

III. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

JOB KNOWEDGE AND SKILLS:

• CSP desirable.

• Analytical and math for assessing patients and developing care plans.

• Interpersonal skills for interacting effectively with patients and their families, students and members of the health care team.

EDUCATION:

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process. This includes:

• Knowledge of growth and development
• Ability to interpret age specific data and response to care
• Provide age specific communication

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Inpatient and outpatient clinic patient care areas. Occasional exposure to sick patients and bodily substances.

At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals, while rewarding the important work you do every day.

The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals.

Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth-one of the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it.

Pay Range: