Summary
Employees in this assignment serve as a Dietitian (Clinical) providing nutritional care for outpatients and inpatients within the Clinical Section of NFS. They apply evidenced based nutrition practice guidelines for all patients, including those with complex medical diagnosis and serve as the medical nutrition expert for their teams. Clinical Dietitians coordinate nutritional care of Veterans.
Qualifications
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
• English Language Proficiency: Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, Paragraph 5a: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English
• Registration / Certification: 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 REQUIREMENTS for Dietitian (Clinical), GS-11: Assignments: Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position
• Clinical Dietitians conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation), assuring high-quality nutrition care
• They apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient- centered goals and improve outcomes
• Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care
• They are accountable for independent and accurate record keeping, autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities and efficiently completing patient encounters using approved systems
• Clinical Dietitians are knowledgeable of and ensure work accomplishments comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards and ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality care
• They collect and analyze data related to performance improvement activities within NFS, lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders
• Clinical Dietitians frequently collaborate with the food service section and leadership staff to enhance the Veteran's dining experience, support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Service Section
• Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• GS-09 knowledge, skills, and abilities consist of: Knowledge of various accrediting and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care
• Ability to deliver patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation)
• Ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes
• Ability to develop patient-centered goals
• Ability to collect data for performance improvement studies
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities at GS-11
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation)
• Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes
• Skill in developing patient-centered goals
• Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies
• Skill in collaborating with stakeholders
• Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities
• Assignment
• Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) developmental position
• They perform increasingly complex tasks under general supervision
• Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments using the NCP
• They develop skills in applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpreting research and utilizing whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes
• Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care
• They maintain accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and patient encounters using approved systems
• Clinical Dietitians comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care
• They collect data related to performance improvement activities within Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) and assist in implementing new initiatives
• Clinical Dietitians collaborate with the Food Service Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience, support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the food service section
• References: VA Handbook 5005/154 Part II Appendix G20, dated October 14, 2022 Full performance level for this position is GS 11
• Physical Requirements: The regular and recurring work of the position involves sitting at a desk, conferences, meetings, etc., and staff interaction in patient care areas
• Work involves frequent periods of walking, standing and the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, visual acuity, hearing and clear speech
• The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment
• A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
Duties "In this position, a Dietitian will interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes.
Conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition focused physical examinations, to establish a nutrition diagnosis and determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition.
Develops and implements Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to address the nutrition diagnosis, evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcomes of MNT interventions.
Modifies the plan as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes.
Calculates nutrient requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions tailoring the diet prescription to each individual patient.
Documents MNT in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format.
Functions independently and accurately when record keeping.
Identifies patients in need of nutritional support and recommends the appropriate mode of support and communicates appropriately with the health care team.
Actively participates in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups that is tailored to the Veteran(s).
Utilizes virtual care technology to improve access to care.
Maintains productivity standards.
Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and completes patient encounters using approved systems.
Ensures continuous improvement of safe and quality care of Veterans.
Leads activities in the implementation of new initiatives.
Uses data in the development of measures, data evaluation, and initiation of corrective actions.
complies with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care.
Collaborates with the Food Operations Section and department leadership to enhance the Veteran's dining experience, support patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Operations Section.
May perform other related duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with rotating weekends and holidays.
Telework: Telework available based on facility regulations Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement : 40271F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"