Rotational Dietitian

Patient Care

Manages individual patients safely and effectively, carrying out the dietetic care process with competence. Undertake nutritional assessment using specialist equipment if necessary & estimate nutritional requirements. Formulate safe nutritional treatment plan, this may require recommending the use of prescription nutritional supplements & feeds. Monitor the effects of the prescribed treatment making any necessary changes. Review and discharge / hand over care of the patient following local guidelines and procedures. Organise follow-up arrangements according to agreed guidelines and procedures. Be responsible for any risks inherent in clinical decision making. Maintain all patient records in line with local and national standards including British Dietetic Association (BDA) & Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Guidelines. Uses appropriate strategies to manage daily exposure to distressing and emotional circumstances.

Communication

Ensure effective communication at all levels of health care professionals regarding the nutritional care of individual patients. Impart information to patients in situations which could be distressing / emotional for the patient, therefore require use of holistic skills. Use negotiation skills to motivate and negotiate dietary change this will require using a variety of evaluation strategies and adapting communication techniques if necessary. Educate, support and direct patients by advising on therapeutic dietary regimens which may involve significant and continuous lifestyle changes. Translate nutritional concepts into practical everyday terms for patients, staff and professional colleagues of all levels. Attend multidisciplinary team meetings for care of the patients when required and be the voice / advocate for patient nutritional care. Liaise with the Pharmacy and Catering Departments to ensure that appropriate nutritional support is provided particularly for patients receiving prescribed therapeutic diets and enteral tube feeds and oral nutritional supplements.

Organisation and Planning

Organise and manage an identified clinical workload which can be intense, varied, and unpredictable requiring concurrent concentration. Adhere to agreed departmental and Trust-wide guidelines, protocols and procedures appropriately to deliver a safe and managed caseload. Manage time effectively in order to meet the requirements of the dietetic service. Plan and co-ordinate the content, delivery of education /training sessions to healthcare professionals. Provide dietetic education to patients in a group setting for example multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme as required.

Service Development and Research

Critically evaluates any developments in practice and brings these to the attention of dietetic colleagues and line manager. Assist in the undertaking of practice-based audits and projects into the clinical effectiveness of all aspects of nutritional / dietetic therapy and shares these at local level. Contribute to the development of UHBW Nutrition & Dietetic Service and to the advancement of the profession.

Finance and Resources

Ensure the use of resources in a manner consistent with organisational objectives and policies, making the efficient & effective use of resources. There are no budgetary responsibilities associated with this post.

Leadership and Management

Participate in the training of student dietitians following attendance at Clinical Supervisory Course. Deliver training using a wide range of robust teaching plans appropriate to the student or participants needs. Review & evaluate the outcome of teaching sessions in consultation with the attendees and their supervisors. Participate in providing cover for other members of staff (non-clinical and clinical) during periods of leave.

Information Resources

Maintain identified levels of high-quality service provision including the development of appropriate resource materials. Use computers etc and have good IT skills to produce documents, create slide presentations and undertake nutritional analysis using specialised software. Develop and review patient information leaflets and teaching resources using evidence-based information. Collect data to conform to national and local requirements, requiring the use of electronic databases. Maintain confidentiality and discretion and comply with the terms of the Data Protection Act and local Trust policies at all times.

Working Environment

The post will be predominately based at Weston General Hospital (WGH) but will involve other clinical sites under the UHBW umbrella and possibly other specialist units/hospitals. The role may be delivered in a number of settings ie hospital, community and therefore there is a requirement to assess personal risk, with respect to lone working in the community, on a direct and daily basis and takes appropriate action to minimise risk. Minimise the risk from occasional exposure to highly unpleasant working environments. Travel may be required to deliver this role, which will mean the most efficient & cost-effective methods will be used ie car, public transport or environmentally friendly. You may be required to carry loads such as weighing scales, equipment & training material.

Continuing Professional Development

Attends and contributes to regular professional development meetings held within the department. Participates in the individual performance review process; to identify own progress and future professional development needs. Work within the relevant professional codes of practice and guidelines of the dietetic profession and those of Bristol Group. Attends and contributes to regular clinical supervision & continuous professional development (CPD) meetings held within the department. You will be required to undertake any other suitable duties delegated that are within the post holders competence.

Other

Adhere to the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency identified by the HCPC as pre-requisites for autonomous practice. Be guided by the Professional Standards for Dietitians identified by the BDA. Recognise professional limitations and seeks assistance on a second opinion on a timely basis. Raise the dietetic profile within the Trust by contributing to organisational initiatives & reporting dietetic successes and achievements. Act as an ambassador for the dietetic profession on all occasions.