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Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Fulltime/40 Hours Per Week

Outpatient/Oncology/Licensed in the state of Pennsylvania

Sign on Bonus/Tuition Assistance

**POSITION SUMMARY** : Participates as a member of the LGH healthcare team and is responsible for providing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and nutrition education to patients of all ages (excluding the NICU) and to members of the community. The RD serves as a resource for nutrition information to various allied health personnel and assists in integrating the patient's nutritional care into the total treatment plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

+ Gathers and analyzes data from the medical history, medication record, lab values, nutritional and social history to complete comprehensive assessment of nutritional requirements. Utilizes current computer technology as it applies to clinical applications and departmental functions.

+ Identifies patients at nutritional risk and initiates nutrition intervention(s) as appropriate and assigns time frame for follow up care according to established standards.

+ Develops and implements nutritional care plan:

+ Communicates plan to heath care team by verbal and written documentation

+ Assesses outcomes of nutrition interventions

+ Revises nutrition care plan to attain goals and desired outcomes

+ Maintains accurate electronic record of care plan; uses electronic care plan as an effective communication tool with fellow nutrition staff

+ Educates individuals and families in nutritional principles, therapeutic dietary plans, food selection, food economics; adapts nutrition plan to the individual’s lifestyle. Teaches group nutrition classes as needed.

+ Interprets, evaluates and applies current research and evidence-based information related to nutritional care. Utilizes these resources to develop and update education materials including the LGH Intranet

+ Obtains required continuing education to maintain professional growth, development and competency

+ Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (PEN) support:

+ Calculates nutrient requirements and recommends PEN formulations to physicians

+ Analyzes physiologic and metabolic responses to PEN

+ Tailors nutrition support regimens to the needs of the individual per clinical data and outcomes

+ Evaluates social, economic and demographic factors prior in regards to discharge planning for patients receiving PEN

+ Demonstrates knowledge of Medicare guidelines regarding PEN

+ Provides nutritional counseling and recommendations for all oncology patients at nutritional risk continuity of care throughout the entire cancer care experience; for Head and Neck Cancer from pre-diagnosis through survivor-ship, palliative/hospice care and end of life.

+ Remains a point of contact for the patient along the continuum of cancer care

+ Responds appropriately to instances of unsafe practice to safeguard the patient’s health

+ Maintains an environment conducive to health and healing including infection control

+ Provides referrals to supportive resources at local, regional and national levels

+ Provides treatment summaries and oncology care plans for patients after receiving treatment for cancer

+ Appropriate referrals to social work, financial counseling, psychology, symptom management

+ Ability to communicate among specialty practices with the healthcare organization- build relationship with physicians and staff

+ Advocates and facilitates access to the appropriate services to individuals with disabilities and advocate for equal access for all patients regardless of financial status

+ Advocates for the patient’s right to autonomy and an informed decision making process

+ Identifies and implement methodologies for continuous quality improvement within the oncology service line and support disease specific performance improvement initiatives

+ Engages and participates in community outreach, education and cancer supportive services programs, including appropriate site specific screening programs or educational and health awareness promotion activities.

+ Counsels patients on food/drug interactions when appropriate.

+ Provides clinical guidance to dietetic technicians. Participates in designing and conducting performance improvement initiatives with physicians, nurses and ancillary departments (such as radiology, pharmacy, speech).

+ Attends multidisciplinary team meetings. Conducts in-services and classes to peers, allied health and medical professionals.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Req Bachelor's Degree Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition or related field from an accredited school.

+ Pref 3+ years Three (3) years of clinical nutrition experience and education preferred.

+ Pref 1+ years One (1) year education background in teaching/learning with excellent interpersonal skills preferred.

+ Certification as a Registered Dietitian, issued by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association

+ Licensed in the state of Pennsylvania as a dietitian-nutritionist.

+ Board Certification as a Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) required to obtain within 3 years of hire.

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.

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