Utility (Prentiss)

Under the supervision of a Clinical Dietitian, the Dietetic Technician obtains nutritional data via the computer, the medical record, and patient visitation to assist with the nutrition screening of patients and the intra- and inter-departmental communication of the patients dietary needs.
Excellent communication skills to patients, healthcare team members, customers, and employees.

– Most of the work day will be indoors.

– Must be mobile to visit patients.

– Must be able to read patient/resident medical records to document nutrition information.

– Physical demand level is light with 20 pounds being demanded occasionally.

– Must be able to make decisions and evaluations based on sensory criteria.

– Must be able to work under stress when confronted with situations in which work speed can “make or break” aspects of the job. 

– One (1) year experience in hospital and/or extended care setting preferred

–  Maintains and updates the nutrition-related data within the Dietary Department. 

– Update the Nutrition Cardexes for acute and extended care with preferences and snacks on an ongoing basis.
– Update Preference cards according to the Nutrition Cardex and use every meal.
– Update Snack labels in the computer every morning according to the Nutrition Cardex and print labels to correspond with the specified snacks in the Nutrition Cardex.
– Report special ordered meal items to the shift supervisor no later than 45 minutes before tray line begins. 

2. Visit and provide assistance with menu selection to patients.

– Provided Infants, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients meals appropriate for age group.
– Collect all menus from the patients/residents who receive a “select” menu daily. Assist Patient/residents with menu selection as needed.
– Copy special requests on menus to the corresponding production worksheets daily.
– Visit extended care residents a minimum of once a week to collect food preferences. 

3. Collect nutritional data for nutrition screening as directed by the Clinical Dietitian.

– Complete the demographic and lab data section of the Nutrition Screening form in legible writing within 24 hours of admission on each patient assigned by the Clinical Dietician
– Stamp every Nutrition Screening form with the patient identification card and punch holes in every form. 

4. Assist the Clinical Dietitian with performance improvement activities as assigned.

– Conduct monthly patient and resident satisfaction surveys for the Dietary Department.
– Participate in tray line and food temperature monitoring as assigned. 

5. Communicate patient needs to appropriate staff while maintaining patient confidentiality.

– Discuss individual patient nutritional care needs with health team members in accordance with hospital protocol. 

6. Maintain workplace professionalism. 

– Arrive at work on time.
– Support company decisions and policies even though you may personally disagree with those decisions.
– Think in terms of what is best for the company.
– Establish and meet realistic timetables for accomplishing goals.
– Continuously evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of ongoing programs for which you are responsible and identify opportunities to improve these programs.
– Display a friendly and positive attitude toward the job and other persons; perform job duties willingly and without complaint; attempt to understand and respond to needs of supervisor and co-workers; avoid making hostile or unproductive comments.
– Maintain proper attendance. Report to work on time; provide sufficient notice to
– supervisory personnel prior to unavailability or lateness in accordance with company policy.
– Dress professionally on at all times.
–  Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding depa tmental and company business; never releasing or discussing internal matters of a serious or sensitive nature outside the department or company.
–  Ensure that your supervisor is advised on a timely basis of potential problems.
– Maintains customer/patient privacy in regards to Protected Health Information (PHI).