Dietitian is responsible for planning, developing and directing all nutritional care activities for assigned veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. The Dietitian supports the facility's mission and coordinates nutritional care with other health care providers, the veteran, the veteran's caregiver and the community. The position is located at Fresno VA Medical Center at Fresno, CA.
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) - Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing branch of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics formerly known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Current VHA Dietitians that qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision may not be promoted to a higher grade if they do not meet the current RDN/RD requirements. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-11 Dietitian (Full Performance Level) Experience or Education. At least 1 year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level, or education equivalent to 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related field. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of best practices in the dietetics profession and in scientific literature, including knowledge of research methods, study design, data collection, interpretation of findings, and translation of results into nutrition practice. Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities. Ability to develop and maintain a system of internal reviews and direct quality control and performance improvement studies. Knowledge of computer software programs relative to food service systems. In addition to the KSAs identified above, candidates for clinical nutrition positions must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of the principles and practices of nutrition care and the treatment of complex cases in clinical settings in order to develop, implement and coordinate best practices in the dietetics profession (e.g. assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation). Knowledge of best practices in areas of clinical nutrition and the ability to apply nutrition interventions to patients with multiple co-morbidities. Ability to act as a consultant for health care providers including registered dietetic technicians, dietetic interns, nurses, physicians, medical students, and allied health professionals. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - a physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required.
Nutritional Care Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for assigned patients. Develops and implements an individualized plan for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives. Performs a Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) during assessments to determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition. Calculates nutrient requirements (calories, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, electrolytes and fluids) and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions. Evaluates patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible root causes for nutrition problems. Tailors diet prescription to each individual patient according to physical and metabolic needs. With an understanding of the patient's health condition, designs the nutritional treatment plan with consideration for psychosocial, behavioral, physical activity, ethnic and cultural factors to obtain desirable outcomes and promote long term adherence to a medical nutrition care plan. Utilizes evidenced-based Nutrition Practice Guidelines and Whole Health Principles to develop shared goals with the patient and formulates a plan of care that is focused on the etiology of the nutrition problem. Actively supports veteran centric food service operations, with a food forward approach through knowledge of computer software programs related to food service systems; and through interfacing with the food service section to ensure patient satisfaction with meals, assisting in implementation of new initiatives, and acting as a liaison between clinical units/wards and the food service section. Nutrition Education and Coordination of Care Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition education or counseling for individuals and groups, incorporating a learning approach that considers the cultural, religious, educational and medical situation of the patient. Includes information regarding budgeting, menu planning, food purchasing and preparation, food storage and sanitation. Utilizes motivational interviewing techniques to evaluate patient and/or caregiver's readiness to learn and potential for changing behaviors. Evaluates achievement of learning objectives by the patient and/or family. Adapts nutrition education materials and counseling techniques to the patient's level of understanding, which frequently involves simplifying complex dietary restrictions. Business Functions Maintains productivity standards. Practices effective time management and prioritizing of tasks to ensure efficient workflow in assigned area. Ensures completion of consult management tasks by reviewing assigned nutrition consults. Ensures appropriate scheduling and timely completion of all assigned consults. Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and completes patient encounters utilizing the Event Capture System (ECS). Quality Improvement/Research Supports Performance Improvement activities by participating in the development of nutritional care indicators, evaluation criteria, collecting performance improvement data, monitoring outcomes, and initiating corrective actions. Contributes to a culture of safety by entering patient safety concerns in the Joint Patient Safety Reporting System (JPRS). Participates in planning and developing nutrition-related policies, procedures, and goals. Participation as a Member of the Health Care Team Presents seminars, workshops, and lectures to convey current nutrition information on new and changing concepts. This includes the development and participation of in-service educational programs directed to members of interdisciplinary teams, Nutrition and Food Services personnel, Nursing, and various students, interns and residents. Coordinates care with colleagues in a variety of medical and home settings to ensure appropriate transitions of care are addressed to meet the patient's needs. Serves as a member of the VAMC inspection team for the state Veteran's homes, homeless shelters, and community nursing homes. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM , Saturday-Sunday Rotating Shifts/Weekends and Holidays. Telework: Available on ad-hoc basis, but incumbent must live in the area and report onsite. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required