Clinical Dietitian at WVU Medicine - United Hospital Center

Role Overview

WVU Medicine is seeking a dedicated and passionate Clinical Dietitian to join our team at United Hospital Center (UHC) in Bridgeport, West Virginia. As a Clinical Dietitian, you will play a vital role in providing comprehensive medical nutrition therapy to patients of all ages, from infants to geriatrics. Your expertise will contribute to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of care.

This position offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals. You will be responsible for conducting thorough nutrition assessments, developing individualized care plans, and providing nutrition education to patients and their families. Your contributions will directly impact the health and well-being of our patients.

A Day in the Life

Here’s a glimpse into a typical day as a Clinical Dietitian at UHC:

1. Morning: You begin your day by reviewing patient charts and preparing for nutrition assessments. You prioritize high-risk patients based on their medical history, current condition, and laboratory values.
2. Assessments: You conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments, gathering information on patients’ dietary intake, medical history, and nutritional needs. You evaluate the appropriateness of their current diet and make recommendations for adjustments as needed.
3. Care Plans: Based on your assessments, you develop individualized care plans that address patients’ specific nutritional needs. You write nutrition orders in the electronic medical record, ensuring that they are aligned with the physician's orders.
4. Consultations: You complete physician-ordered consults and instructions, documenting all interactions and recommendations in the medical record. You contact physicians to discuss any concerns or adjustments to the patient’s nutrition plan.
5. Monitoring: You monitor patients’ progress and make adjustments to their care plans as needed. You document NPO/Clear Liquid notes and follow up until nutrition is provided (unless contraindicated).
6. Afternoon: You complete and document calorie counts accurately, providing a summary of the results within 24 hours if nutritional recommendations are warranted. You calculate and report the results of nitrogen balance and metabolic cart studies in a timely manner.
7. Education: You provide nutrition education to patients and their families, addressing their specific needs and concerns. You tailor your education to meet the individual needs of each patient, taking into account their cultural background and literacy level.
8. Collaboration: You collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to improve food service and quality care to patients. You participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans and progress.
9. Quality Improvement: You participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives and stay up-to-date on current nutrition guidelines and research.

Why Bridgeport, West Virginia?

Bridgeport, West Virginia, is a vibrant and growing community located in the heart of the Mountain State. It offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living, making it an attractive place to live and work. The area boasts beautiful natural scenery, including rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling rivers. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking.

Bridgeport is also home to a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and theaters. The community is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to make new friends and get involved in local activities. With excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community, Bridgeport is a great place to raise a family.

Career Path

WVU Medicine offers a variety of career paths for Clinical Dietitians, allowing you to grow and develop your skills over time. You may choose to specialize in a particular area of nutrition, such as diabetes management, oncology nutrition, or pediatric nutrition. You may also pursue leadership opportunities within the department, such as becoming a Clinical Nutrition Manager or a Nutrition Services Director.

WVU Medicine is committed to providing ongoing training and development opportunities to help you advance your career. We offer tuition reimbursement for continuing education and professional development, as well as opportunities to attend conferences and workshops.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for a Clinical Dietitian at WVU Medicine in Bridgeport, West Virginia, is estimated to be between $58,000 and $78,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support services
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education and professional development
• Employee discounts on various products and services
• Wellness programs and resources to promote employee health and well-being
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a culture of excellence, teamwork, and respect. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we strive to provide a supportive and rewarding work environment. We value diversity and inclusion, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued.

We encourage our employees to share their ideas and contribute to the success of the organization. We offer opportunities to participate in quality improvement projects and contribute to the development of new programs and services. We are committed to providing our employees with the resources and support they need to succeed.

How to Apply

If you are a Registered Dietitian with a passion for providing high-quality patient care, we encourage you to apply for the Clinical Dietitian position at WVU Medicine - United Hospital Center. To apply, please click the Apply button located at the top of this page and complete the application in full.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the minimum qualifications for this position?

   The minimum qualifications include being a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), current licensure as a Licensed Dietitian in West Virginia, and successful completion of state and federal background checks.

2. What is the preferred experience for this position?

   One (1) year of clinical experience is preferred.

3. What are the core duties and responsibilities of this position?

   The core duties and responsibilities include providing comprehensive medical nutrition therapy to patients, completing physician-ordered consults, documenting patient information, and collaborating with the healthcare team.

4. What are the benefits of working at WVU Medicine?

   WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement.

5. What is the work environment like at WVU Medicine?

   WVU Medicine is committed to creating a culture of excellence, teamwork, and respect.

6. What opportunities are there for career advancement at WVU Medicine?

   WVU Medicine offers a variety of career paths for Clinical Dietitians, allowing you to grow and develop your skills over time.

7. What is the salary range for this position?

   The estimated salary range for this position is $58,000 to $78,000 per year.

8. What is the location of this position?

   This position is located at United Hospital Center (UHC) in Bridgeport, West Virginia.

9. How do I apply for this position?

   To apply, please click the Apply button located at the top of this page and complete the application in full.

10. What is the dress code for this position?

    The dress code is professional attire, including scrubs or business casual clothing.