Adult Clinical Dietitian (Inpatient)

Department Overview

OHSU is Oregon’s only public academic health center. We are a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington. We are an institution of higher learning, with schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and public health – and with a network of campuses and partners throughout Oregon. We are a national research hub, with thousands of scientists developing lifesaving therapies and deeper understanding. We are a statewide economic engine and Portland’s largest employer. And as a public organization, we provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians, and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.

The purpose of the adult dietitian is to provide scientifically based, comprehensive nutrition care and education for the adult patients at OHSU according to the nutrition care process; to promote healing and aid in the prevention of infection/complications. The Clinical Dietitian provides medical nutrition therapy (assessment, treatment, education) to patients in all areas of adult care.

Function/Duties of Position

• Responsible for the comprehensive nutritional assessment, nutrition diagnosis, nutrition intervention, and nutrition monitoring and evaluation of OHSU patients. Assessments are developed from defined clinical criteria/data and are documented in the patient's medical record. Develops nutrition care plans to manage nutrition care for disease states, prevent complications, reduce morbidity and mortality due to malnutrition or change in feeding modality. Monitors progress of patients on implemented nutrition plans.

• Develops and provides nutrition education for patients to be discharged to home, to a care facility, or a home health agency on a specialized nutrition program or enteral feeding

• Communicates patient nutrition needs and progress to the health care team through charted progress notes, participation in patient care conferences and patient discharge planning rounds, as well as individual consults with team members, home health agencies, care providers, etc

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree with specialization in dietetics, nutrition, institution management, or a closely related field and completion of a pre-planned professional experience in dietetics at a facility approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

• Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Licensed Dietitian in the state of Oregon

• Additional certifications may be required based on the specific department the position resides in, as indicated by the position description.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Must be proficient in the nutrition care process
• Must be able to determine the nutrient requirements of the adult inpatient to ensure adequate nutrient intake and/or replacement of nutrients loss secondary to medical condition; determine the nutrient make-up of patient's meal patterns and medications (dosage and timing) that affect nutrient and/or drug bioavailability; 
• determine malnutrition and recommend and administer medical nutrition therapy to improve digestion, absorption and metabolism of nutrients;
• make recommendations concerning adjustment of some medications that relate to nutrition, in order to promote increased well-being of the patient, maintenance of acceptable blood chemistries, increased bioavailability of drugs, decreased hospitalization days, and cost-effectiveness of regimens.
•  Must complete annual age specific competency training and posttest.
• Must be proficient in Nutrition Focused Physical Exam.
• Must comply with OHSU competency based independent order writing policy. 

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Nutrition or related field
• 1-year clinical experience in an acute care facility
• Possess Certification consistent with Clinical Dietitian for Specialist Classification, Washington Certification (CD) for ambulatory care may be required within 6 months. 

Additional Details

Day Shift Mon - Fri; Weekend and holiday rotation; Shares office with >10 dietitians/dietetic technician registered, may have opportunity for hybrid/telework, position requires frequent on campus presence.

Why apply to OHSU?