Registered Dietitian - Chronic Disease Education Program

QUALIFICATIONS
* Eligible for active practicing licensure to practice Registered Dietitian with applicable regulatory body in the province of Manitoba
* Baccalaureate Degree in Human Ecology with completion of a Dietetic Internship
* Graduate of a recognized dietetic internship program which has been accredited by EQual, including the Masters of Applied Human Nutrition from the University of Manitoba or a planned practicum as requested by the College of Dietitians of Manitoba
* Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a clinical setting working with a health care team
* Province of Manitoba Class 5 Drivers License and access to a personal vehicle to provide service within Prairie Mountain Health
* Proficiency with Microsoft programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint), as well as Internet applications and other Information Technology
* Experience in patient counseling, educational principles, and community development
* Ability to maintain good work relationships with personnel of unit, Medical Staff, and personnel of related departments or programs within Prairie Mountain Health
* Alertness and skill in assessing, recognizing and identifying symptoms, and initiative and judgment in selecting proper treatment for unusual or unfavorable conditions
* Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to work independently
* Demonstrated problem solving and decision making skills
* Demonstrated flexibility to facilitate changes in techniques and procedures in a changing environment
* Demonstrated knowledge and competence of skills and concepts related to the position
* Demonstrated communication skills
* Ability to respect and promote confidentiality
* Ability to perform the duties of the position on a regular basis
* Ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population
* Ability to work effectively and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, clients and within interdisciplinary team

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Registered Dietitian is responsible for providing nutrition care and counseling for clients at assigned sites and, if applicable, planning and facilitating nutrition care practicum experience for the Brandon Family Medicine Residency Program. The Registered Dietitian in all roles participates as a member of the health care and dietitian teams; contributes to the development of programs, policies and procedures, and educational materials as related to nutrition care; acts as a preceptor to medical residents and Masters of Human Nutrition students; participates in the strategic planning process and continuous quality improvement. Administrative responsibilities are required and research activities may also be expected. The position requires a highly skilled professional whose competence, performance and ability to collaborate effectively with team members is of the highest standard. Performs other duties as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overview:

In collaboration with the health care teams, including clients and/or next of kin; using current best practice evidence; and within standards of practice:

1. Completes nutrition assessments;
2. Develops, monitors and revises nutrition care plans;
3. Provides nutrition education and supports clients in setting and reaching goals for effective self-management;
4. Refers clients to community health promotion or other programs as applicable;
5. Keeps records as per standards established by the region/program;
6. Provides nutrition expertise for relevant program-specific procedures;
7. Performs other delegations of function when competence demonstrated.
8. Prepares statistical and status reports.
9. Sundry duties as assigned.

As a member of the Family Medicine Residency Program:

• Functions in the interdisciplinary teaching team to provide nutrition education to residents in the context of total patient care:
• Plans, facilitates and periodically reviews curriculum and seminar schedules for Family Medicine Residents;
• Applies the principles of effective adult education in teaching residents and other health care team members the principles of nutrition care;
• Educates residents and other members of the healthcare team with respect to the fundamental principles of nutrition care and the identification and distribution of appropriate literature. Education is provided through a combination of practical (client visits) and didactic experiences to assist in the ongoing evaluation of residents nutrition counseling:
  • Patient visits with residents or supervision of residents;
  • Educational seminars, counselling and simulated interviews;
  • Audio and/or video taping of resident-patient encounters;
  • Identifies the need and initiates group teaching programs for clients in the context of residency education;
• Provides ongoing support and evaluation of the residents’ performance in the provision of nutrition care to clients;
• Meets regularly with residents to discuss their progress and to individualize educational goals;

10. Participates in monthly resident’s progress review meetings with the interdisciplinary teaching team;

11. Participates as a resource professional in patient treatment meetings and educational activities of the Western Medical Clinic Family Medicine Teaching Unit and other activities within the Department of Family Medicine of the University of Manitoba