Clinical Dietitian (Exempt)

Registered Dietitian

An employee in this position works directly with patients in the Oncology Service line to assess nutritional status and to provide counseling and instruction on special dietary concerns and general changes necessary to promote optimal health.

Registered Dietitians (RD) are a valuable component of Bon Secours St. Francis integrative clinical care team. The oncology dietitian at St. Francis will offer an individualized nutrition approach to support patients during and after their cancer therapies.

RDs working in our cancer-related practice settings must have the appropriate skills, competencies, and knowledge to provide safe and effective care across the cancer continuum to meet the growing demand for nutrition and lifestyle interventions for individuals affected by cancer. As part of this department, she/he will provide comprehensive nutrition care to general oncology patients including stem cell transplant patients, inpatient, and outpatient populations. The RD will operate as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing oncology care.

RDs provide nutrition therapy to support conventional cancer treatments to help optimize immune function, improve strength, increase energy, preserve lean body cell mass, rebuild body tissue, decrease risk of infection, and help minimize breaks in treatment. This position requires a high level of patient centricity, team work, flexibility, and compassion.

Employment Qualifications

Education: BS in Food and Nutrition required; must be a registered dietitian.

Experience: Minimum of five years' experience in practicing therapeutic dietetics in hospital and community settings, particularly in the area of oncology services.

Behaviors: Must have positive, enthusiastic attitude and demonstrate ability to maintain a pleasant and professional demeanor at all times. Must possess excellent communication and customer service skills.

Licensure, Registration, or Certification: SC license required. BLS required. Board Certified in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) preferred.

Essential Job Functions

1. Responsible for provision of nutritional care services to Oncology patients.

2. Provides individual counseling and instruction for Oncology patients and their caregivers (if appropriate).

3. Provides comprehensive nutritional analysis for Oncology patients and intervenes with appropriate medical nutrition therapy (MNT).

4. Provides evidence-based nutrition care, per the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Nutrition Care Process and standardized language, to patients identified at risk for having nutritional problems or special needs.

5. Evaluates, develops, plans, implements, and reevaluates nutrition care plans.

6. Educates patients and family members to improve, maintain, and/or optimize nutritional status.

7. Communicates patient issues to the health care team.

8. Manages nutrition support therapy including intravenous (parenteral nutrition) and/or tube feeding (enteral nutrition).

9. Provides follow-up per policy or as needed.

10. Develops, plans, implements, and conducts group nutritional education programs as needed.

11. Provides nutrition services to the community, including outreach programs addressing dietary guidelines that reduce cancer risk.

12. Documents appropriately as per policy.

13. Attends 75% of scheduled staff meetings and team conferences. Is required to conduct one yearly in-service for staff.

14. Maintain Continuing Education Units (CEU), credentials, and continually update knowledge base pertinent to job performance.

15. Assists with education and training of dietetic students and interns as needed.

Patient Population Served: Young Adult, Adult and Geriatric

Other Job Functions

1. Adheres to Bon Secours St. Francis Health System rules, regulations, and policies.

2. Performs other duties as assigned. Assists and supports other departments when needed.