POSITION PHILOSOPHY

Under the direction or supervision of the Director of Nutrition and Support Services, the Clinical Dietitian is responsible for creating a human habitat and providing care and services to meet the needs of the elders in the cottages. The Clinical Dietitian is committed to alleviating the three plagues of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom through facilitating small, unexpected pleasures in the day-to-day life of the residents, and by surrendering institutional routines. This is based on the established policies and procedures, Philosophy, Mission, Vision & Values of Rosecrest Communities, and the Eden AlternativeTM. The Clinical Dietitian works cooperatively and respectfully with residents, coworkers, families, visitors, and volunteers to create a positive and pleasant environment in our community.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Standards/Scope of practice

· Conducts admission (withing two weeks of admission) and follow up nutrition assessments of residents and initiates appropriate nutrition interventions.

· Establishes, implements, evaluates and revises resident nutrition care plans on an ongoing basis.

· Provides appropriate nutrition assessments, diet counseling, and other interventions for residents in response to nursing/physician dietitian consultations.

· Monitors nutrition status indicators (ie. weight, lab data, blood glucose, etc) to determine residents requiring nutrition interventions.

· Establishes and maintains an effective system of communicating diet/nutrition information with nursing/dietary staff.

· Assists with development and revision of menus and recipes, including nutrition analysis when needed.

· Assists with development and implementation of nutrition care policies.

· Consults with appropriate staff and health care professionals regarding resident nutrition issues.

· Promotes general nutrition awareness on an ongoing basis by providing nutrition education to staff/families.

· Maintains continuing education to keep practice current by attending relevant professional meetings, conferences, etc.

· Attends team meetings, resident care meetings, quality and risk meetings, special events, pharmacy and therapeutics committee, professional advisory committee.

Quality Improvement

Actively participates in quality initiatives including but not limited to; monitoring, data collection, planning and evaluating.

Safety

· Works to create a culture of safety for all

Emergency Planning

· Know and adhere to Fire, Emergency & Security policies and procedures

Communication

· Uses a positive and respectful tone of voice when conversing with residents, families, and staff.

· Proficient in verbal, written, and electronic forms of communication.

Confidentiality

· Maintains confidentiality of all personal and health information for staff and residents of Rosecrest Communities.

Creating a Human Habitat

· Maintains safety of the resident environment

· Organizes resident environment to accommodate personal choice and independence

· Actively participates in resident committees or programs

Education

· Attends and actively participates in educational and mandatory programs in order to increase personal knowledge and abilitie

QUALIFICATIONS

· Registered Dietitian with Nova Scotia College of Dietitians and Nutritionists

· Dietitians of Canada membership considered an asset

· Experience in Long Term Care preferred

· Experience with Food Service Management an asset

· Good research and analysis skills

· Good organizational skills

· Excellent interpersonal skills

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

· Good computer skills