• Screens patients (pediatric-geriatric) for nutritional risk. Assesses the nutritional status of patients found at risk through documentation in the medical record. Uses parameters such as anthropometric measurements, nutrition-focused physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory values.
• Develops, revises and individualizes a nutrition care plan based on information from the patient, medical record, family and healthcare team members.
• Makes recommendations for patient care based upon guidelines as outlined in the current diet manual.
• Incorporates current evidence-based research into practice.
• Utilizes physician/referring practitioner-driven protocols or other facility-specific processes to implement, initiate or modify orders for diet or nutrition-related actions (e.g. oral nutrition supplements, diet modifications, diet texture modifications for dentition or individual preferences, nutrition-related laboratory tests and medications and nutrition education and counseling).
• Utilizes physician/referring practitioner-driven protocols or other facility-specific processes to manage nutrition support therapies (e.g., enteral formula selection and rate adjustments based on energy needs or laboratory results, supplemental water for enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition formulations, etc.) consistent with specialized training where required, competence and approved organization policy.
• Executes programs/services in an organized, collaborative, and customer-centered manner. Participates in process for ordering privileges required for expanded roles and enhanced activities consistent with federal and state practice acts.
• Participates in care planning and patient/family conferences.
• Adheres to facility confidentiality, HIPAA regulations and patient rights policies.
• Complies with regulatory standards, including federal, state and accrediting agencies.
• Completes all required documentation, reports and logs in a timely, professional and thorough manner.
• Communicates effectively with all team members, patients and families through conferences, individual consultation and committee participation. This includes in-person, telephone, written, and electronic communication.
• Orients, mentors and trains staff and interns, as applicable.
• Advises department on patient care and food service issues.
• Provides training to patient services staff on special needs with patient diet prescriptions.
• Follows facility and department infection control policies and procedures.
• Participates in facility-wide and department Performance Improvement Program (Lean) and on performance improvement teams to improve processes and patient care.
• Participates in and attends departmental meetings, staff development, patient care rounds, committees and professional programs, as appropriate.
• Assists and contributes to patient satisfaction goals by providing quality service.
• Projects and practices consistent ownership attributes, which provide a high level of customer service at all points of contact.
• Must adhere to all DCH Nutritional Services policies and procedures.
• Maintains a clean, sanitary working environment.
• Follows all security procedures for the facility and department.
• Responds to utility failures per department policy.
• Follows facility and department safety policies and procedures to include incident reporting.
• Wears name tag identification and is aware of role in minimizing security incidents.
• Adheres to Emergency Preparedness Program. Participates in disaster drills as appropriate.
• Adheres to Life Safety Program and participates in fire drills as appropriate.
• Performs other tasks that may be assigned.

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.

For over 90 years, when the people of West Alabama needed healthcare, they’ve turned to DCH Health System. Based in Tuscaloosa, AL, DCH Health System has been providing quality and compassionate healthcare to the residents of West Alabama. Comprised of DCH Regional Medical Center, Northport Medical Center and Fayette Medical Center, the DCH Health System provides comprehensive services in: cancer treatment, critical care, cardiac services, bloodless medicine, home health care, sleep medicine, occupational medicine, sports medicine, spine/pain care, therapy services, women’s services and much more!