Title: Dietetic Technician

Department: Diet. Tech Services

Hours of Work: Casual: Days

Wage Range: $33.23 – $36.49

Union: OPSEU Non-Central

Location: Kingston General Hospital Site

Dietetic Technician

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

In collaboration with the registered dietitians (RDs), and in accordance with organizational and departmental policies, procedures, and standards, the dietetic technician provides nutrition care to hospitalized patients who are identified as nutrition care priorities. The dietetic technician adheres to worker responsibilities as set out in the Occupational Health & Safety Act, hospital safety policies, and dept/unit established procedures at all time

Within this role the employee is accountable for contributing to the delivery of the Kingston General Hospital strategy. As an employee, one must demonstrate an awareness of and be responsible for actively promoting and supporting patient and family centered engagement and care in all we do.

DESCRIPTION:

To provide nutritional care to patients, in consultation with the RD, who are identified as nutrition care priorities. This includes:

• Screen patients to determine nutritional risk level using KGH accepted nutrition assessment/screening tools
• Work independently with low nutritional risk patients
• Work under the direction of a RD with moderate and high nutritional risk patients
• Provide nutrition education of uncomplicated diets to low-moderate nutritional risk patients and/or families as directed by the appropriate RD
• Act as a member of the clinical nutrition care team, in collaboration with the RDs, to ensure that nutritional goals and objectives set for the patients are achieved by: reviewing medical records and interviewing patients or family to obtain diet and nutrition history in order to identify nutrition needs and assess appropriateness of diet orders, suggesting modifications to menus or diets based on individual patients needs, and seeks advice or transfers patients with complex nutritional issues to the appropriate RD as required
• Assume responsibility for nutrition consults as assigned by the RDs including: assessing, developing, implementing, documenting, and monitoring nutrition care plans for low-moderate risk patients within professional skill set. This includes evaluating the need for nutritional supplementation, initiating Food Intake Records, monitoring patient’s compliance and acceptance of nutrition care plan and modifying as required
• Document and communicate accurately, efficiently and effectively via oral / written methods with the health care team, Food Services and patients and families

Works with CBORD nutrition software and Patient Care System (PCS) to:

• Assess and adjust nutrient goals using nutrition standards of care to create accurate and effective nutrition care plans for patients on therapeutic diets and diet order modifications
• Assist assigned patients and update CBORD system with appropriate menu choices based on therapeutic diets or diet order modifications, food adverse reactions, food preferences, and other nutrition information
• Screen nutrient goal audit, PCS diet census, and diet order screening reports for patients receiving therapeutic diets or diet order modifications

Process and document food intake records and communicate results with appropriate RD. This includes initiation and collection of food intake records database entry, printing, and documentation

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Canadian accredited undergraduate University program in food and nutrition or equivalent, Dietetic Technician diploma program, or equivalent program accredited by the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM).

• One (1) year recent experience in an acute care clinical setting preferred. Experience with CBORD nutrition software an asset.
  Have excellent communication and time management skills.

• Able to cope with stressful situations in patient care areas.

• Demonstrated proficiencies with computer applications e.g. Excel, Word, Windows.

• Able to problem solve, work under time pressure, good math skills.

• Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Must have a polite tactful telephone manner.

• Have demonstrated knowledge of therapeutic diets and texture modifications.

• Able to work independently and efficiently.

• Able to prioritize tasks and be flexible.

• Have demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology.

• Satisfactory Criminal Reference Check required.

• Proven ability to attend work regularly.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The applicant must be able to meet the physical demands

KHSC is located on the ancestral lands and waters of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee and serves a wider geographical area that encompasses many Indigenous communities including Tyendinaga, Katarokwi, as well as communities within the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. As we partner in care, discovery, and learning to achieve better health outcomes for our communities, KHSC is committed to actively advocating for and acting upon the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action on Health.

Unless specifically stated, all job postings are for existing positions at KHSC. KHSC is committed to recruitment practices that support and contribute to building a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace in compliance with legislation such as the Employment Standards Act and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We welcome all applications from women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, persons in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and members of other equity deserving groups.

Kingston Health Sciences Centre may use artificial intelligence systems to assess and screen applicants. All hiring decisions are made in accordance with KHSC policies and applicable employment legislation.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for next steps will be contacted. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Recruitment Team.