Clinical Nutrition Coordinator at WVU Medicine: A Comprehensive Overview

Role Overview

The Clinical Nutrition Coordinator at WVU Medicine's Ruby Memorial Hospital plays a crucial role in ensuring patients receive optimal nutritional care. This position bridges clinical dietetics and food service operations, requiring a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) with a strong foundation in both areas. The coordinator supports the clinical nutrition manager and supervisor in daily responsibilities, acting as a liaison for patient-related nutrition needs and coordinating resources for the food service staff. The role is typically divided evenly between clinical patient care duties and food service liaison responsibilities, adapting to the daily needs of the department.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for a Clinical Nutrition Coordinator might involve: * **Clinical Patient Care (50%):** * Conducting nutritional assessments on patients to identify dietary needs and restrictions. * Developing individualized nutrition care plans based on patient assessments and medical conditions. * Monitoring patients' tolerance of diet and adjusting nutrition support as needed. * Providing nutrition education and counseling to patients and their families. * Documenting nutrition interventions and outcomes in the medical record. * Participating in multidisciplinary rounds and patient care conferences. * Serving as a preceptor for dietetic interns and students. * **Food Services Liaison (50%):** * Collaborating with food service staff to ensure meals meet patients' nutritional requirements and dietary restrictions. * Providing training and education to food service staff on nutrition-related topics. * Assisting with menu planning and recipe development to ensure balanced and nutritious meals. * Addressing patient concerns and requests related to food service. * Monitoring food quality and safety standards. * Assisting with the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to patient meals. * Participating in quality assurance monitoring and reporting.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. As home to West Virginia University, Morgantown boasts a vibrant cultural scene, diverse dining options, and a lively arts community. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and water sports. Morgantown also offers a lower cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Career Path

The Clinical Nutrition Coordinator role can serve as a stepping stone to various career advancement opportunities within WVU Medicine. Potential career paths include: * **Clinical Nutrition Manager:** Oversee the clinical nutrition department and manage a team of dietitians and dietetic technicians. * **Clinical Nutrition Supervisor:** Supervise the daily operations of the clinical nutrition department and provide guidance to staff. * **Specialty Dietitian:** Focus on a specific area of clinical nutrition, such as oncology, pediatrics, or diabetes management. * **Food Service Director:** Manage the food service operations of the hospital, including menu planning, food preparation, and staff supervision. * **Nutrition Education Specialist:** Develop and deliver nutrition education programs to patients, staff, and the community.

Salary & Benefits

The estimated salary range for a Clinical Nutrition Coordinator at WVU Medicine is $65,000 to $85,000 per year. WVU Medicine also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision). * Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays. * Retirement plan with employer matching contributions. * Life insurance and disability coverage. * Flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA). * Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support. * Tuition reimbursement or assistance for continuing education. * Professional development opportunities and training programs. * Employee discounts on hospital services and products. * Wellness programs and resources to promote employee health.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in a supportive and collaborative work environment. The organization values teamwork, respect, and innovation. WVU Medicine is also dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of its employees and the communities it serves. The environment fosters growth and learning, encouraging employees to reach their full potential.

How to Apply

To apply for the Clinical Nutrition Coordinator position at WVU Medicine, please visit the WVU Medicine careers website and search for the job posting. Follow the instructions to complete the online application and submit your resume and cover letter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. **What are the required qualifications for this position?** * You must be a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) through the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR) and possess current licensure as a Licensed Dietitian through the West Virginia Board of Licensed Dietitians. One year of clinical experience is also required. 2. **What are the preferred qualifications?** * A Master’s Degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field, membership to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, five years of experience in clinical nutrition, and two years in a clinical leadership role are preferred. 3. **What are the core duties and responsibilities of this position?** * The role involves assisting with policy development, quality assurance, serving as a resource to hospital staff, supporting recruitment and training, and participating in community education programs. 4. **What is the work-life balance like at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine strives to provide a supportive work environment that values work-life balance. The organization offers various benefits and resources to help employees manage their personal and professional lives. 5. **What opportunities are there for professional development?** * WVU Medicine offers numerous professional development opportunities, including training programs, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities to attend conferences and workshops. 6. **What is the culture like at Ruby Memorial Hospital?** * Ruby Memorial Hospital fosters a collaborative and patient-centered culture. Employees are encouraged to work together to provide the best possible care to patients. 7. **What is the salary range for this position?** * The estimated salary range for a Clinical Nutrition Coordinator at WVU Medicine is $65,000 to $85,000 per year. 8. **What benefits are offered by WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance, and disability coverage. 9. **How can I learn more about WVU Medicine?** * You can visit the WVU Medicine website to learn more about the organization, its mission, and its values. 10. **What is the application process like?** * The application process involves submitting an online application, resume, and cover letter. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. This overview provides a comprehensive look into the Clinical Nutrition Coordinator position at WVU Medicine, highlighting the role's responsibilities, career path, and the benefits of working in Morgantown, West Virginia.