Dietetic Technician - Nutrition, Casual, Days

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Dietetic Technician reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsible for the support of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) duties as needed for the provision of medical nutrition therapy. The Dietetic Technician works on the disease prevention aspects of nutrition by screening patients, gathering patient data, and assisting the RDN in providing medical nutrition therapy to clients.  

Responsibilities:

 

• Responsible for assessment and assistance in the nutrition care of patients in accordance with Nutrition Care Process, as established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Assists in the provision of timely, accurate nutrition intervention to promote optimum patient care.• Follows established policies and guidelines of the NFS Department
• Provides nutrition screening to prioritize and identify patient malnutrition and overall nutrition risk• Accurately calculates nutrition needs of patients with the exception of complex diseases states including but not limited to renal disease, enteral and total parenteral nutrition.

• Conducts patient interviews to identify patient diet preferences and needs, and educational needs.
• Develop appropriate nutrition plans in cooperation with the RDN and in compliance with physician orders.
• Orders and manages oral supplementation for patients as warranted under the direction of the Clinical Dietitians.

• Provides appropriate documentation regarding patient care.• • Documents a clear and concise problem, etiology, and signs and symptoms (PES) statements.
• Records all relevant information and considerations in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) according to department standards.

• Responsible for the nutritional education of patients and their support members as appropriate.
• Instructs patients and/or support members on dietary needs.
• Informs on rationale of diet and explains the appropriate diet taking into consideration patient culture, religious practices, emotional barriers, physical and cognitive limitations, language barriers, economic barriers, and age specific criteria.
• Chooses appropriate nutrition education materials.
• Refers to Diabetes and Nutrition for further comprehensive Medical Nutrition Therapy and Diabetes Education.
• Performs Hospitality Supervisory duties as indicated by department need.
• Supervises patient meal service.
• Ensures accuracy of patient meal assembly and delivery.
• Provides work direction for NFS employees.
• Works with IS department to resolve computer issues.
• Responsible for staff schedule and adjustments.
• Completes duties of the Hospitality Agent and NFS Aide as assigned.
• Other Duties as assigned.

 

 

 

Required:

• Associates Degree in Nutrition
• Successful completion of Certified Dietary Manager Exam through ANFP (Association of Nutrition & Professional Food Service Professionals)
• Two years experience in food service management. 
• Microsoft Word, Computrition, Hospitality Suite

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition
• Completion of college level dietetic technician program approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietectics

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.