About the position
The Bariatric Dietitian is responsible for the management of obese patients planning for obesity surgery and who have undergone obesity surgery. The Bariatric Dietitian performs initial nutrition assessment, preoperative education, and follow-up education with bariatric patients. The position requires extensive knowledge in various modalities of treatment of obesity. The Bariatric Dietitian is responsible for oversight and implementation of the dietary portion of a medical weight loss program for overweight or obese patients not suitable for bariatric surgery. The Dietitian also provides an interface with the medical and endocrine services by providing diabetes education. The Dietitian must possess strong interpersonal skills and teaching skills in order to communicate information to patients, colleagues, and others involved in the care of obese patients. This position requires leadership skills in a variety of settings. This position is involved in a team-based approach to care. Team members are trained to meet the highest level of function for their role as per the State of Tennessee/Georgia guidelines. Is trained and assigned (as per their role and responsibilities) to coordinate care for patients and is trained and assigned to support patients/families/caregivers in self-management, self-efficacy and behavior change. Is trained and assigned (as per their role and responsibilities) to manage the practices' patient population. Participates in the practice's quality improvement process and performance evaluation.
Responsibilities
- Perform initial nutrition assessment for bariatric patients.
- Provide preoperative education to patients planning for obesity surgery.
- Conduct follow-up education with patients who have undergone obesity surgery.
- Oversee and implement the dietary portion of a medical weight loss program for patients not suitable for bariatric surgery.
- Provide diabetes education in collaboration with medical and endocrine services.
- Communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and caregivers.
- Demonstrate leadership skills in various settings.
- Participate in quality improvement processes and performance evaluations.
Requirements
- Bachelor's of Science Degree from an accredited college or university in Nutrition and Dietetics or related field.
- Registered Dietitian credentialed by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.
- Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist in the State of Tennessee.
- Minimum of two (2) years experience as Registered Dietitian in a hospital-related field.
- Minimum of one (1) year experience in counseling, behavior modification techniques, or group facilitation for weight management.
Nice-to-haves
- Certified Diabetes Educator.
- Previous experience with Bariatric surgery/weight management.
- Experience with diabetes education.
- Masters prepared licensed nurse from an accredited school.
