## Clinical Dietitian at WVU Medicine - Wheeling Hospital ### Role Overview WVU Medicine is seeking a dedicated and passionate Clinical Dietitian to join our team at Wheeling Hospital. In this role, you will be an integral part of the medical team, providing optimal medical nutrition therapy to patients of all ages, including infants, pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics. Your expertise will contribute significantly to improving food service and quality care for our patients. As a Clinical Dietitian, you will conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments, develop individualized care plans, and provide nutrition education to patients and their families. You will also collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. This position requires a strong understanding of medical nutrition therapy principles, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. ### A Day in the Life of a Clinical Dietitian Each day as a Clinical Dietitian at WVU Medicine brings a variety of responsibilities and opportunities to make a difference in patients' lives. Here's a glimpse into what a typical day might look like: * **Morning:** * Review patient charts and physician orders to identify patients who require nutrition intervention. * Conduct nutrition assessments on high-risk patients, evaluating their dietary needs, medical history, and current health status. * Develop individualized care plans based on assessment findings, including dietary modifications, nutrition education, and recommendations for tube feeding or parenteral nutrition, if necessary. * **Mid-day:** * Complete physician-ordered consults, providing recommendations for optimal medical nutrition therapy. * Document all assessments, care plans, and interventions in the electronic medical record. * Calculate and document calorie counts to monitor patients' nutritional intake. * Communicate with physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient progress and any concerns or recommendations. * **Afternoon:** * Provide nutrition education to patients and their families, addressing their specific dietary needs and concerns. * Monitor and evaluate patient progress, adjusting care plans as needed. * Participate in departmental meetings and quality improvement initiatives. * Stay updated on new research and advancements in the field of dietetics. Throughout the day, you'll be collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure that patients receive coordinated and comprehensive care. ### Why Wheeling, West Virginia? Wheeling, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Nestled in the picturesque Ohio River Valley, Wheeling boasts a rich history, vibrant arts scene, and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. * **Quality of Life:** Wheeling offers a low cost of living, making it an affordable place to live and raise a family. The city also has a strong sense of community, with friendly neighbors and a welcoming atmosphere. * **Outdoor Recreation:** With its scenic location along the Ohio River, Wheeling provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Residents can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and boating in the nearby state parks and recreational areas. * **Arts and Culture:** Wheeling has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. * **Education:** Wheeling is home to several excellent schools and universities, providing residents with access to quality education at all levels. * **Location:** Wheeling is conveniently located within driving distance of several major cities, including Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Cleveland. This makes it easy to access big-city amenities while still enjoying the peace and quiet of a smaller town. ### Career Path for Clinical Dietitians at WVU Medicine WVU Medicine is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for career growth and advancement. As a Clinical Dietitian, you can advance your career through a variety of pathways: * **Specialization:** You can specialize in a particular area of dietetics, such as oncology nutrition, pediatric nutrition, or diabetes management. This can be achieved through additional training, certifications, and experience. * **Leadership:** You can advance into a leadership role, such as a supervisory or management position. This would involve overseeing other dietitians and managing the operations of a nutrition department. * **Education and Research:** You can pursue opportunities in education and research, such as teaching dietetics courses or conducting research studies on nutrition-related topics. * **Advanced Practice:** With additional education and training, you can become an advanced practice dietitian, providing specialized nutrition services to patients with complex medical conditions. WVU Medicine offers a variety of professional development programs and resources to help you achieve your career goals. These include continuing education courses, leadership training programs, and mentorship opportunities. ### Salary and Benefits The salary for a Clinical Dietitian at WVU Medicine is competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to a competitive salary, WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) * Paid time off (PTO) * Retirement plan with employer matching * Life insurance * Disability coverage * Employee assistance program (EAP) * Flexible spending accounts (FSA) * Tuition reimbursement WVU Medicine is committed to providing its employees with a supportive and rewarding work environment. We offer a variety of programs and resources to promote employee health, well-being, and professional development. ### WVU Medicine Culture At WVU Medicine, we are committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our culture is built on a foundation of: * **Respect:** We treat each other with respect and dignity, valuing the unique contributions of every individual. * **Integrity:** We adhere to the highest ethical standards, conducting ourselves with honesty and integrity in all that we do. * **Compassion:** We provide compassionate care to our patients and their families, treating them with empathy and understanding. * **Teamwork:** We work together as a team, collaborating to achieve common goals and support each other. * **Excellence:** We strive for excellence in all that we do, continuously seeking ways to improve our performance and enhance patient care. WVU Medicine is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. ### How to Apply To apply for the Clinical Dietitian position at WVU Medicine - Wheeling Hospital, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page. You will be directed to our online application system, where you can submit your resume and cover letter. ### 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 of Dietetic Registration (CDR) and possessing current licensure as required by the state board (West Virginia, Maryland, or Ohio). 2. **Is prior clinical experience required?** * While not required, one (1) year of clinical experience is preferred. 3. **What are the typical working hours for this position?** * The typical working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, but may vary based on departmental needs. 4. **What opportunities are there for professional development?** * WVU Medicine offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including continuing education courses, leadership training programs, and mentorship opportunities. 5. **What is the dress code for this position?** * The dress code is business casual, with professional attire required when meeting with patients or attending professional events. 6. **Are there opportunities for advancement within WVU Medicine?** * Yes, WVU Medicine is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for career growth and advancement. You can advance your career through specialization, leadership, education and research, or advanced practice. 7. **What is the work environment like at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine offers a supportive and collaborative work environment, where teamwork and respect are highly valued. 8. **Does WVU Medicine offer tuition reimbursement?** * Yes, WVU Medicine offers tuition reimbursement for eligible employees pursuing advanced education. 9. **What type of patients will I be working with?** * You will be working with patients of all ages, including infants, pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics, with a variety of medical conditions. 10. **How does WVU Medicine support employee well-being?** * WVU Medicine offers a variety of wellness programs and resources to promote employee health and well-being, including an employee assistance program (EAP) and flexible spending accounts (FSA). WVU Medicine is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Join our team and make a difference in the lives of our patients!