Job Summary:
In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
Reporting to the Professional Practice Leader and in accordance to established guidelines, standards, policies and procedures, the Dietitian provides clinical nutrition services to support the management of diabetes and endocrine disorders for paediatrics and youth at Children's & Women's Health Centre of British Columbia (C&W). Working collaboratively with the health care team provides information and participates in community outreach, the development of educational materials and research. Participates in ongoing quality assurance and risk management programs.
Duties/Accountabilities:
1. Conducts nutritional screening and assessment by evaluating biochemical, anthropometric, dietary parameters and subjective global assessment; develops and implements care plans, manages and monitors nutritional care of patients. Participates in patient care rounds and clinics by evaluating and reporting on aspects of the nutritional care plan. Advises and collaborates with other health care team members on matters of nutritional care.
2. Provides comprehensive nutrition counselling for patients and caregivers including training in the use of specialized formulas and food preparation; conducts workshops and seminars, and prepares written guidelines. Provides individual and group teaching sessions, including comprehensive nutrition, lifestyle and self-care education and support to patients, parents and caregivers.
3. In response to biochemical laboratory data, and in consultation with the treatment team, monitors and adjusts nutrition care plans, diets and formulae. Consults with the patient, family and/or caregivers, physicians and other health care professionals regarding the patient’s response to the nutrition care plan. According to program guidelines, maintains and updates patient files and makes notes regarding recommendations or adjustments
4. Completes and maintains appropriate, related records for activities performed including documentation of the nutritional care plan on patient charts, workload statistics, formula requisitions, menus and manual and electronic patient care databases.
5. Based on most recent diabetes knowledge, reviews diet writing guidelines and standards of care to provide appropriate food and nourishment for patients.
6. Reviews the latest clinical experience and research, reviews the literature, consults with community experts, evaluates clinical practise and referral systems, develops and/or revises standards or guidelines to develop written resources for other health care professionals including, dietitians, physicians, nurses, social workers, students etc.
7. Provides suggestions and works collaboratively with the health care team to support observation and orientation experiences for health professionals visiting from other diabetes centres.
8. As part of a multidisciplinary team, participates in community outreach activities which may include attending clinics and making presentations at conferences, seminars or workshops as required.
9. Provides suggestions for dietetic intern experiences and provides students with the opportunity to observe and take an active role in the education and treatment of patients with diabetes and endocrine diseases.
10. Provides input to department and program meetings; participates in relevant and related hospital and community based committees, activities and projects.
11. Assists the Professional Practice Leader and Division Director in evaluating the program operation and establishing goals and objectives from a clinical nutrition perspective by helping to review caseload, treatment trends, statistics, etc.
12. Participates in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of clinical research proposals, projects and surveys regarding the management of the diabetes and endocrine diseases and related therapies, including data collection and analysis and writing for publication.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience
• Graduation from an academic program in dietetics approved by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
• Current and active Board certified Canadian Diabetes Educator (CDE)
• Three (3) years recent, related clinical experience including one in pediatric nutrition and feeding practices/behaviours in an acute care setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Current full registration as a Dietitian with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
Skills and Abilities
• Effective communication skills; verbal and written.
• Physical ability to perform duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to teach and counsel.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Comprehensive knowledge of diabetes and human metabolism
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively within an interdisciplinary environment
