Clinical Dietitian II

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is a full-service, 712-bed acute care provider in Colorado Springs comprising Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and St Francis Hospital - Interquest. St. Francis Hospital opened in 2008 to keep pace with the growing needs of the Colorado Springs' community on the north side of the city. St. Francis Hospital features 340-beds and offers a modern Birth Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cancer Center, Emergency Department, Level III Trauma Center, Imaging Services, Acute Inpatient Rehab, Surgical Services and Critical Care Unit. It also serves as southern Colorado's home base for the Flight For Life Colorado air medical transport service. It's an incredible time to join us as we celebrate recognition with Magnet Hospital designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for superior quality in nursing care. With more than 300 days of annual sunshine, mild winters and easy-to-access recreational areas including Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and some of Colorado's top destination resorts, you will enjoy an incredible lifestyle while having the career you've always wanted.

You have a purpose, unique talents and NOW is the time to embrace it, live it and put it to work. We value incredible people with incredible skills – but your commitment to a greater cause is something we value even more.

1. Conducts patient screening in accordance with specialized clinical guidelines for those at a specific nutritional risk. Performs nutritional assessment using age and gender appropriate standards, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds; and utilizing validated assessment tools resulting in nutrition related diagnosis when indicated. Conducts routine screening to identify patients at nutritional risk. Collaborates within an interdisciplinary environment to contribute to facilitating care and identifying patients at nutrition risk or needing higher levels of care.
2. Implements targeted and specific nutrition intervention(s) based on the specific medical condition. Provides customized nutrition education to patients and/or families and caregivers. Actively participates as a member of the multi-specialty, interdisciplinary care team to contribute toward overall patient care. Closely monitors, evaluates and rescreens patient nutrition status as appropriate. Updates plan of care as necessary. Follows up with patients as needed.
3. Develops an intervention plan which includes appropriate feeding route, mode, and nutrition prescription unique to patient's specific needs, in accordance with physicians' orders. Monitors and evaluates patient response to interventions by meeting specific measurable goals documented in the nutrition care plan in a timely and thorough manner in the medical record. CA Only: For neonates and pediatric patients, coordinates nutrition services with California Children's Services (CCS). Must be a California Children's Services (CCS) paneled provider if providing nutrition care to NICU or pediatric patients with a CCS-approved facility.
4. Collaborates with the Food and Nutrition Services team to enhance patient experience. This includes participating in test trays, menu reviews, periodic auditing of trayline for accuracy of diet orders, validating menu compliance with the facility Diet Manual Handbook and Nutrition Care Manual (NCM), supporting with patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, etc.), maintaining communication with patients, staff, and guests and providing excellent customer service. Participates in peer reviews and chart audits, and collaborates in Diet Manual Handbook training for all clinical staff (new registered dietitians, nurses, therapists, physicians, etc.), including how to access it in hard and soft copy. Supports in the training/development of Clinical Dietitian I, patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, interns, etc.) as well as other positions as needed. This may include leading Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) training sessions and workshops for overall hospital clinical staff such as nurses, therapists, and physicians.
5. Functions routinely with high acuity patients requiring advanced competency to provide expert level of care and nutrition therapy in Neonatal intensive care units, Pediatric units, enteral/parenteral nutrition support and order writing privileges, oncology, renal, diabetes, and gerontology.
6. Other duties as assigned by leader.

In addition to bringing your whole self to the workplace each day, qualified Cook candidates will need the following:

• Two (2) years acute hospital or similar experience working with patients in more complex levels of care to specialized populations (e.g. pediatric, bariatric, ICU, older adults, etc.).
• Bachelor's Degree (prior to 2024 graduates) with completion of accredited dietetics program (ACEND - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition Dietetics). Master’s Degree required for 2024 (and beyond) graduates.
• Board Certification or specific years of experience required. Applicable Board Certifications include: Specialist in Oncology, Pediatric and Pediatric Critical Care, Renal, and Gerontological. Also Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (NBNSC) - ASPEN, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (NCBDE). Outpatient/Wellness Center/Rehabilitation - Board Certified Specialist in sports dietetics, obesity and weight management. In lieu of a board certification, three (3) years acute care hospital or similar experience working with patients in more complex levels of care to specialized populations.
• Valid registration as a Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Valid dietitian licensure as required by state (if applicable). Licensure must be obtained within 8 weeks of hire or as required by local regulation.

Light work - (Exert up to 20lbs force occasionally, and/or up to 10lbs frequently)