OHSU is Oregon’s only public academic health center. We are a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington. We are an institution of higher learning, with schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and public health – and with a network of campuses and partners throughout Oregon. We are a national research hub, with thousands of scientists developing lifesaving therapies and deeper understanding. We are a statewide economic engine and Portland’s largest employer. And as a public organization, we provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians, and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.  

 

The purpose of this position is to provide specialized medical nutrition therapy to pediatric patients with congenital and/or acquired diseases of infancy and childhood using the nutrition care process of assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring and evaluation; to reduce morbidity and mortality due to malnutrition, and to promote wellness. Position includes Adolescent Health (Eating Disorders), Weight Management, and GI. May also provide care to adult patients as dictated by staffing needs.

Nutrition Assessment:

• Consults medical team, nursing, social work, and other therapies (PT/OT/Speech and Language, etc.) Concerning problems affecting patient's food habits and needs; interviews parents or care giver to obtain diet history, food or formula tolerances, allergies, social/economic/cultural information, food preparation habits and cooking facilities; inquires about food preferences, chewing or swallowing difficulties, completes anthromometric measurements; analyzes patient's data (diagnosis, medications, medical history) to determine nutritional status and develop nutrition care plan

Nutrition Care Plan:

• Recommends and documents appropriate medical nutrition therapy; advises physicians, nurses, and other health care team regarding implementation of nutrition care; selects types and amounts of food for special diets based on indicated physiological, psychological and biochemical needs of patients and integrates them with food preferences; indicates mode of feeding for infants or children with chewing or swallowing difficulties; assesses the need for alternate means of nutrition support (i.e. enteral vs. parenteral) and develops appropriate formulation.

Nutrition Care Plan Follow-up:

• Evaluates meals served for conformance to prescribed diet and standards of palatability and appearance; conducts nutrition rounds to note patients adherence to nutritional plan; monitors anthropometric, biochemical indices and caloric intake to determine appropriateness of care plan; modifies nutritional intervention as necessary; participates in patient care conferences and multi disciplinary team meetings; plans for patient, parent or care giver counseling for nutrition modification

Nutrition Instruction:

• Counsels patient, parents, or care giver in appropriate diet and/or formula modifications; provides educational materials and verbal instruction to support inpatient and outpatient nutrition care plan; provides education material to other health team members regarding infant formulas, nutrition supplements or diet modifications; acts a resource for OHSU and surrounding community in the area of pediatric nutrition.

• A Bachelor’s degree with specialization in dietetics, nutrition, institution management, or a closely-related field and completion of a pre-planned professional experience in dietetics at a  facility approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

   

• Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) 

   

• Licensed Dietitian in the state of Oregon

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies)

• Must be proficient in the nutrition care process.
• Must be able to determine the nutrient requirements of the pediatric inpatient and outpatient to ensure adequate nutrient intake and/or replacement of nutrients loss secondary to medical condition;
• determine the nutrient make-up of patients meal patterns and medications (dosage and timing) that affect nutrient and/or drug bioavailablity;
• determine malnutrition and recommend and administer medical nutrition therapy to improve digestion, absorption and metabolism of nutrients;
• make recommendations concerning adjustment of some medications that relate to nutrition, in order to promote increased well-being of the patient, maintenance of acceptable blood chemistries, increased bioavailability of drugs, decreased hospitalization days, and cost-effectiveness of regimens.
• Must complete annual age specific competency training and post test.

• MS in Nutrition or related field
• Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition or other qualifying certification to meet the criteria of Clinical Dietitian Specialist. If employee meets criteria the position will be reclassified as a Clinical Dietitian Specialist. WA Certificate (CD) required within six months of hire.
• 2 years clinical experience with 1 year working in pediatrics strongly preferred

Day Shift; days may vary; includes evening clinics. Weekend and holiday rotations. Shares office with 4-10 other dietitians, position may include hybrid-telework.

 

Must be able to carry up to 15# (one case of formula); must be able to walk long distances between buildings;

must be able to stand, sit, and change positions through out the day; must be able to use computers, calculators, skin fold calipers, stadiometer, scale. Performs nutrition focused physical exams.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.