University of Utah Job Description
Job Summary
Provides optimum nutritional care to patients by communicating diet and menu information, screening for nutritional problems, computing nutrient intake, and completing other duties as assigned by the Clinical Nutritionist.
Qualifications
Associate’s degree in Nutrition, Health Care, or related area, or equivalency; completion of a hospital-provided nutrition competency test at a minimum of 85% accuracy; a current food service worker’s permit; and demonstrated human relations, effective communication, and computer literacy skills required.
Incumbents must complete a hospital-provided Medical Terminology Course within 1 year of employment.
Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition is preferred.
This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Disclaimer
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Essential Functions
Problem Solving
his position has the authority to assist in training and/or providing work direction to Nutrition Care Aides; and to modify menus to meet patients’ dietary needs and satisfaction. Incumbents may have limited involvement in directing the work of 3-5 Nutrition Care Aides.
Representative challenges incumbents may face include calculating nutrient intake and modifying/specializing menus to meet patients’ unique dietary needs and expectations. Incumbents must always display good human relation skills in interactions with patients and their families in resolving patient dietary issues.
Comments
Incumbents must comply with departmental policies regarding attendance and periodic evaluations in order to perform the job duties acceptably.
Incumbents may face exposure to items discarded on patient trays including soiled bandages and tubing, spilled medications, bodily fluids, and patient care equipment such as needles, clamps, and scissors. They may also face exposure to potentially dangerous cleaning chemicals utilized in sanitation procedures as well as equipment/supply hazards such as wet or hot work surfaces and sharp edges on food wrap containers or open cans, meat slicers, and food processors. This position involves lifting and/or pushing heavy supply containers, equipment, and food carts.
Incumbents are responsible for verifying and processing patient calorie count charges which exceed $50,000 annually.
Depending on the area of assignment, this position may provide care to infants, toddlers, school age children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.
The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.