Dietetic Tech

Provides nutrition care services for patients/clients to address prevention and treatment of acute and chronic diseases and conditions and the promotion of overall health and wellness in conjunction with the registered dietitian nutritionist. Participates in enteral feeding preparation by adhering to aseptic technique when producing specialty formula and human milk mixtures for patient consumption. Adheres to standards of food safety and sanitation, best practices for formula and human milk preparation in a hospital setting, regulatory standards, departmental and hospital policies and procedures in the execution of assigned duties.

• Patient Care
  
  
  
  • Completes nutrition assessments of patients within scope of practice of Dietetic Technician-Registered based on screening and documentation guidelines.
  • Implements and monitors nutritional interventions assigned by the RDN to meet the nutritional needs of patients.
  • Estimates nutritional intakes of patients. Calculates and documents calorie counts as requested. Assists RDs with data collection as needed.
  • Identifies patients in need of in-depth assessment by RD and transfers care appropriately.
  • Instructs patients (and/or families, as appropriate) on restricted/special diets or special formulas. Refers for outpatient follow-up as necessary.
  • Is knowledgeable regarding nutritional content, sources, and use of commercial supplements, tube feeding, infant formula, and feeding modulars (fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals).
  • Inputs data from outpatient diet records on computer for analysis to be completed by outpatient dietitian. Maintain updates and enter new items in Food Processor.
  • Provides nutrition and lactation education including assembly, cleaning and maintenance of breast pump equipment.
  
  
  
  
• Enteral Feeding Production
  
  
  
  • Prepares, portions, and delivers patient enteral feeding orders accurately and timely.
  • Knowledgeable about human milk, formulas, and additives used in infant, pediatric, and adult patients.
  • Practices with a questioning attitude and escalates concerns, issues, or discrepancies regarding enteral feeding orders, faulty equipment, and unsafe working conditions appropriately.
  • Adheres to applicable regulations, safety and infection prevention & control standards that govern enteral feeding production operations.
  • Assists in the development of educational materials and other projects.
  • Provides education with regard to nutrition and lactation.
  • Participates in site-specific education events as requested.
  
  
  
  

Education

• Associate's Degree in Nutrition or related program by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• OR
• Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition dietetic (Not Nutrition Lifestyle) DEGREE by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Universities that meet requirements: Program Directory

Work Experience

• Prior work experience in a hospital setting or WIC program Preferred

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

• Nutrition and Dietetic Technician-Registered (NDTR) Commission on Dietetic Registration within 9 months Required
• Level 4 Worker - Covid Vax Required

• Business Functions
  
  
  
  • Maintains friendly, efficient demeanor and models CHOP ICARE Values and Service Standards.
  • Participates in ongoing quality assurance and performance improvement activities as requested.
  • Maintains productivity, screening, and other documentation of activities as requested.
  • Product inventory and management.
  • Participates in training other employees as requested.
  • Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
  
  
  
  
• Professional Development/Leadership
  
  
  
  • Collaborates and communicates with other members of the healthcare team.
  • Participates in any department staff meetings and education programs as requested.
  • Maintains competence and professional development. Maintains registration as required. Uses reference materials, trends in dietetics, enteral feeding best practice guidelines, and research to enhance clinical knowledge.
  • Performs other duties as requested.
  
  
  
  
• Skills
  
  
  
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to patients and families, public, medical staff, and physicians.
  • Must be able to read English with understanding and write English legibly.
  • Basic knowledge and application of medical nutrition therapy in pediatric patients.
  • Basic knowledge of nutrient analysis, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
  • Competence in nutritional content, sources, and use of commercial supplements, tube feedings, human milk, infant formulas, and feeding modulars (fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals).
  • Ability to perform increasingly complex mathematical calculations such as fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, and metric measures.
  • Computer proficiency required.