Registered Dietitian - Hartford - 20 Hours/Week

Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children's offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children's, treating children isn't just our job - it's our passion. As a leading children's health system experiencing steady growth, we're excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children's health and well-being as one team.

Registered Dietician (R.D.) provides medical nutrition therapy to pediatric patients (from infancy to age 18 years) who may be well or acutely, critically and chronically ill. Serves as a resource for caregivers patients, and their families. Assesses the nutritional status of patients. Develops, documents and implements the nutritional plan based on the assessment results. Effectively counsel patients and families for improved nutritional outcomes. Participates with interdisciplinary teams to promote nutritional care. Develops and presents educational in-services to the medical team.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Education: Bachelor (before 2024) or Masters (after 2024) of Science in Nutrition and completion of Accredited Didactic Internship Program (or Accredited Coordinated Program) in accordance with Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics leading to registration eligibility.

Education and/or Experience Preferred:

• Education: Masters (before 2024) of Science or PhD or DCN in Nutrition and completion of Accredited Didactic Internship Program (or Accredited Coordinated Program) in accordance with Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics leading to registration eligibility.
• Experience: Two to Five years pediatric experience preferred.

License and/or Certification Required:

• Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics required.
• CT State Certification (CD-N) is required on hire.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider required within 6 months of hire.

License and/or Certification Preferred:

• Specialty Certifications through CDR or American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) such as Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition and Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, etc.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Medical Nutrition Therapy in accordance with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics standards.
• Medical Terminology.
• Drug Nutrient Interactions.
• Pediatric disease states.

Skills:

• Proficiency with electronic health and medical records, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point programs.
• Proficiency with nutrient analysis program, human milk and formula barcoding system, and menu entry program

Abilities:

• Accurate keyboarding abilities and math skills

Evidenced Based Clinical Practice

• Completes and delivers care according to the Nutrition Care Process. This includes: assessment, nutrition diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation. 15%
• Develop, document and implement the nutrition plan. 10%
• Interact with interdisciplinary teams to promote nutritional care. 10%
• Serve as a nutrition access coordinator, especially for home care and area pediatricians. 5%

Education/Lifelong Learning

• Provide education and counseling to caregivers, pediatric patients, and their families. 10%
• Provide education to MDs, RNs and other disciplines as needed. Communicate with clinical team members to provide nutrition recommendations, monitor patient status, and make adjustments to therapy as needed. 15%
• Remain up to date on research and best practice standards in nutrition. 3%
• Serve as a mentor/trainer for new staff and dietetic interns. 2%

Process Improvement

• Participates in department QI activities and maintains monthly stats and reports. Complete interdisciplinary chart audits and peer reviews. 5%
• Identify clinical safety issues and/or department business or efficiency issues and communicate to appropriate stakeholders. 5%

Clinical Leadership and Expertise

• Participate in developing and implementing practice protocols to provide continuous quality improvement in all aspects of nutritional therapy. Participate in hospital research as requested. 5%
• Provide guidance and instruction to diet technicians and milk technicians. 5%
• Act as a preceptor for students in nutrition such as dietetic interns, pediatric residents and fellows, etc. 5%
• Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from pre-term neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families. 5%
• Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Children's Medical Center Standards. 4%
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 1%