WVU Medicine Clinical Dietitian – Children’s Hospital: Nourishing Young Lives

Role Overview

Are you a passionate and skilled Registered Dietitian looking to make a significant impact on the lives of children? WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will provide comprehensive medical nutrition therapy to infants, children, adolescents, and their families, ensuring optimal nutritional care and supporting their journey to health and well-being. As a Clinical Dietitian at WVU Medicine, you will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, working closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized nutrition plans. Your expertise will be essential in addressing a wide range of nutritional needs, from managing chronic conditions to supporting growth and development. You'll have the opportunity to utilize your expertise in pediatric nutrition to make a real difference in the lives of our young patients.

A Day in the Life

Imagine starting your day by reviewing patient charts, identifying those who require nutrition intervention. You then collaborate with physicians to understand their medical conditions and treatment plans. Next, you conduct thorough nutrition assessments, considering medical history, current diet, and specific needs. Throughout the day, you'll: * **Provide Medical Nutrition Therapy:** Develop and implement personalized nutrition plans for infants, children, and adolescents with a variety of medical conditions, including diabetes, cystic fibrosis, food allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders. * **Conduct Nutrition Assessments:** Perform comprehensive nutrition assessments to identify nutritional deficiencies, assess growth and development, and determine appropriate dietary interventions. * **Educate Patients and Families:** Provide nutrition education to patients and their families, empowering them to make informed food choices and manage their dietary needs effectively. * **Collaborate with the Healthcare Team:** Work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive patient care. * **Document Patient Progress:** Maintain accurate and detailed patient records, documenting nutrition assessments, interventions, and progress. * **Participate in Multidisciplinary Rounds:** Attend multidisciplinary rounds to discuss patient care plans and contribute your expertise in nutrition. * **Monitor Tube Feeding and Parenteral Nutrition:** Manage and monitor patients receiving tube feeding and parenteral nutrition, ensuring appropriate nutrient delivery and preventing complications. * **Stay Current with Research:** Keep abreast of the latest research and guidelines in pediatric nutrition to provide evidence-based care.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy hiking, biking, and water sports, all within easy reach. The city is also home to West Virginia University, a vibrant academic hub that infuses the community with energy and culture. With a low cost of living, excellent schools, and a friendly atmosphere, Morgantown is a great place to raise a family or enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. WVU Medicine is the state’s largest health system and a leading provider of advanced medical care. With a commitment to innovation and patient-centered care, WVU Medicine offers a supportive and rewarding work environment. Joining WVU Medicine means becoming part of a team that is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the community.

Career Path

At WVU Medicine, we are committed to your professional growth. As a Clinical Dietitian, you can advance your career in several directions: * **Senior Clinical Dietitian:** Take on leadership roles, mentoring junior dietitians and leading quality improvement initiatives. * **Specialty Dietitian:** Focus on a specific area of pediatric nutrition, such as neonatal nutrition, oncology nutrition, or diabetes management. * **Clinical Nutrition Manager:** Oversee the operations of the clinical nutrition department, managing staff and ensuring the delivery of high-quality nutrition care. * **Research Dietitian:** Participate in clinical research studies, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in pediatric nutrition. We also provide opportunities for continuing education and professional development to help you stay at the forefront of your field. ## Salary & Benefits The estimated annual salary range for this position is $55,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision coverage * **Paid Time Off:** Vacation, sick leave, and holidays * **Retirement Plan:** 401(k) with employer matching * **Life Insurance:** Basic and supplemental options * **Disability Insurance:** Short-term and long-term coverage * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Assistance with educational expenses * **Professional Development:** Opportunities for continuing education and training ## WVU Medicine Culture WVU Medicine is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees. We value teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect. Our employees are passionate about providing the best possible care to our patients and are dedicated to making a positive impact on the community. We offer a variety of employee programs and activities to promote wellness, engagement, and professional growth. ## How to Apply To apply for the Clinical Dietitian position at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital, please submit your application online through our careers website. Be sure to include your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or licenses. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **Q1: What are the required qualifications for this position?** **A:** The minimum qualifications include being a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) through the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR) and possessing current licensure as required by the West Virginia Board of Licensed Dietitians. A state criminal background check and Federal background check (if applicable) are also required. **Q2: Is prior clinical experience required?** **A:** While not required, one (1) year of clinical experience is preferred. **Q3: What are the primary responsibilities of a Clinical Dietitian at WVU Medicine?** **A:** The primary responsibilities include providing comprehensive medical nutrition therapy to patients of all ages, completing physician-ordered consults, documenting patient information accurately, and collaborating with the healthcare team to develop and implement nutrition plans. **Q4: What opportunities are there for professional development?** **A:** WVU Medicine offers various opportunities for professional development, including continuing education, training programs, and tuition reimbursement. **Q5: What is the work environment like at WVU Medicine?** **A:** WVU Medicine fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment. We value teamwork, respect, and a commitment to providing excellent patient care. **Q6: Does WVU Medicine offer relocation assistance?** **A:** Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. Please inquire with the hiring manager for more information. **Q7: What is the patient population I will be working with?** **A:** You will be working with infants, children, and adolescents with a wide range of medical conditions. **Q8: Are there opportunities to specialize in a specific area of pediatric nutrition?** **A:** Yes, there may be opportunities to specialize in areas such as neonatal nutrition, oncology nutrition, or diabetes management, depending on departmental needs and your interests. **Q9: How does WVU Medicine support employee well-being?** **A:** WVU Medicine offers a variety of employee programs and activities to promote wellness, including an employee assistance program, wellness challenges, and employee discounts. **Q10: What is the process for obtaining order writing privileges?** **A:** Registered and Licensed Dietitians (RD/LD) at WVUH have been granted Order Writing Privileges (with physician co-signature) which have been approved and established by the WVUH Medical Executive Committee and the WVUH Board of Directors. These privileges may be utilized whenever the physician orders the “MNT Protocol”.