The Neonatal Dietitian in the Center for Childhood Development provides care to a unique, high risk, population of patients. This requires participation with the multidisciplinary team to assure safe and appropriate nutritional intervention. The dietitian provides specific recommendations for nutrient intakes and composition of oral and enteral breast milk and/or formulas, and monitors for metabolic changes, growth, and development within the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society of Parenteral Nutrition, JCAHO, and Hospital policy.
The scope of this position is unique in that this person is responsible for the caring for patients in the Center for Childhood Development (ranging from hospital discharge through first year(s) of life). The dietitian contributes to the development and evaluation of NICU and Department of Nutrition goals and to the fulfillment of JCAHO standards for the NICU. He/she also develops and organizes education programs and participates in designing and implementing research protocols related to nutritional intervention.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Responsibilities
Develops, implements, and maintains standards of nutrition practice for the Center for Center
Development
Assesses patients for nutritional risk and develops care plans. This includes collection and
interpretation of anthropometric, laboratory, clinical and nutrient intake data to determine nutritional risk, nutritional status, requirements and feeding limitations
Determines optimum feeding route, techniques, substrate, and nutrient formulations considering
the limitations inherent in different medical and surgical conditions.
Nutritional care plans must be frequently revised to accommodate changes in nutritional status
. 4. Ensures that established monitoring procedures/protocols are followed for prevention and
management of complications. Monitors patient progress and tolerance to nutritional
regimens. This includes calculation of caloric and nutrient intakes, and recording of
all pertinent biochemical, medical and growth data. Maintains organized and accurate records.
5. Participates in multidisciplinary rounds as warranted
Administrative Responsibilities:
Participates in the development and evaluation of policies and procedures, and quality improvement activities in the CCD
Participates in preparation guidelines for the safe and cost-effective use of nutritional products. Maintains current information on new products and nutrition related product changes and provides meaningful interpretation for the CCD and Department of Nutrition. Assesses nutritional composition and clinical efficacy of products.
Develops educational materials for families and students, as warranted
Serves as a resource and expert to local state and government agencies, such as the State Health Department and the Department of Health Education and Welfare, for determining regional standards for neonatal and well baby nutritional care and monitoring.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Registered Licensed Dietitian.
Master's Degree strongly preferred.
Three to five years experience in perinatal or pediatric nutrition in a hospital setting. Experience in the nutritional care of critically ill newborns highly desirable.
Membership and active participation in professional organizations.
Participation in continuing education activities.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Ability to work very independently, including making immediate clinical decisions independently. Changes in normal procedures will be reviewed with the Director and/or the Medical Director.
Knowledge of the physiological and biochemical basis of the nutrient
requirements of pre-term and term infants and the feeding limitations at each
stage of development. Small errors in the assessment and prescription for
nutritional intervention may carry immediate and significant consequences. The
quality of intervention may also have significant impact on growth patterns and
development.
Ability to recognize abnormal growth and developmental patterns.
Knowledge of the complex medical and surgical problems commonly managed in the intensive care nursery.
Knowledge of alternative feeding techniques and the nutrient composition for modified infant formulas.
Management skills to effectively organize nutrition services in an area of highly specialized and complex care. Ability to interact and coordinate services of multiple departments including Nutrition, Newborn Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy.
Continuing education and evaluation of care.
Continued acquisition of knowledge to remain abreast of scientific advances
Ability to incorporate new knowledge into a nutritional care plan.
Ability to prospectively evaluate safety and effectiveness of implemented nutrition programs, including cost assessment.
Communication and Teaching.
Ability to communicate effectively with other professionals both verbally and in writing. Ability to present information and conduct classes to parents and professionals.
Excellent interpersonal skills to work within the framework of a multi-disciplinary care team recognizing that the services of many disciplines are essential for comprehensive care.
Ability to provide nutrition counseling that effectively deals with the nutritional needs of the infant and is within the capability of the mother or other primary caretaker at home.
Ability to provide organized nutrition education programs for the health care team in the hospital.
Maturity to work independently.
EEO Statement
Brigham and Women's Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.
