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POSITION: Dietitian
DEPARTMENT: Food Services
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Environmental and Food Services
Scope of Position:
Reporting to the Director of Environmental and Food Services, the Dietitian is responsible and accountable to provide competent, safe, and ethical professional practice to the residents of the RK. The Dietitian will develop, coordinate and evaluate nutritional services for the Home.
As an employee of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home, every person has a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the residents. In keeping with our Mission, Vision, Core Values, and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the Dietitian serves as a positive role model; as a partner in the provision of care and support of our Residents, and represents the home in a positive, professional, efficient, and confidential manner.
Key Responsibilities:
- Understands that the Resident and family are central to all departmental activities, services, and decisions.
- Establishes and maintains working relationships and performs all work in keeping with the Mission, Vision, Core Values, and philosophy of resident-centered care of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home, and professional Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
- Oversees the appropriate food purchasing, ordering, and inventory control. Monthly food costs are discussed as necessary with the Director.
- Leads and oversees the implementation, education, and training of new Food Service software system, DiningRD into the RK.
- Acts as a liaison between residents, Nursing, and the Food Services Department to best meet the resident’s diet / meal needs. Informs Food Services, Nursing, and Recreation Departments of changes as they occur.
- Updates resident diet profile sheets, diet lists, diet counts in the kitchen.
- Establishes regular, soft, and puree menus to ensure that residents receive a nutritionally adequate diet based on Canada’s Food Guide and best practice guidelines for Long-Term Care.
- Completes dysphagia assessments and provides education to staff as needed on texture modified diets.
- Establishes therapeutic, texture modified, and Individual Meal Plan (IMP) menus which correspond with the regular menu so that special diets are available to residents as their diagnosis warrants.
- Works with cooks and Director on recipe development based on resident feedback and overall production capabilities of Food Services.
- Performs initial nutrition assessment on all new admissions within two weeks of admission.
- Attends resident care conferences bi-annually (or as they occur) that includes completing a nutrition assessment and making recommendations pertinent to the resident’s nutritional well-being.
- Recommends oral nutritional supplementation to residents as required.
- Manages tube feeds and tube feed supplies for the home.
- Participates in various committees and meetings according to personal interests and / or the home’s needs. Examples include: Co Chair -Wellness Committee, Medical Advisory, Resident Council, Accreditation, Palliative Care, Wound Care, etc.
- Conduct basic nutrition in-services for staff in relation to special diets, feeding techniques, and hydration.
- Participates in personal professional development.
- Assist in Policies and Procedures that pertain to nutrition care, food safety and resident dining practices.
- Responsible for the provision of nutrition care as advised by the principles of “Best Practice for Food, Nutrition, and Dining Services in Long-Term care.”
- Be familiar with the following R.K. manuals; Fire & Emergency Plans, Departmental Policies and Procedures, WHMIS, Occupational Health and Safety, and other programs in place.
- Participates in annual online and onsite in-servicing for WHMIS, Fire and Safety, and Protection of Persons in Care Act, safe lifting and transfer, PHIA, and hand washing.
- Maintains certification of Food Handling Course, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (certification is valid for 5 years).
Required Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Food and Nutrition from a recognized University.
- Completion of Dietetic Internship approved by Dietitians of Canada.
- Member of Nova Scotia Regulator of Dietetics or eligible for membership.
Required Experience:
- Previous experience in a long-term care facility preferred.
- Familiarity with food service operation and equipment would be an asset.
- Competence in using computers, Excel, Microsoft.
Additional Skills & Abilities Required:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Familiarity with software charting systems an asset (ie., Point Click Care, Momentum).
Working Conditions:
- Atmosphere may at times be warm and noisy.

