Registered Dietetic Technician

The Registered Dietetic Technician assumes responsibility for direct and indirect patient care activities as delegated and/or supervised by a Registered Dietitian. The Registered Dietetic Technician provides food and nutrition services to patients within his/her individual scope of practice and demonstrates competence and utilizes the Nutrition Care Process and Terminology (NCPT) to assist with assessing nutrition status and developing and implementing nutrition care plans for patients at nutrition risk. As an active member of the patient care team, the Registered Dietetic Technician supports/assists the Registered Dietitian with patient support, clinical and non-clinical activities, and education as appropriate, incorporating the principles of family–centered care.

In the Special Feed Unit (SFU), the Registered Dietetic Technician is responsible for preparing and distributing specialized infant and pediatric feeds following strict preparation guidelines and procedures for food handling and hygiene. The unit is open 7 days a week including national holidays and staff works a designated rotation. The role requires rotational weekend duties with clinical and SFU working.

SPECIAL FEED UNIT 

• Works as a team member in the preparation of formulas and modular feeds. This includes, but not limited to:
• Verifies new feed orders provided by the Registered Dietitian 
• Prepares infant formulas and modular feeds accurately according to established recipes provided by Dietitian, following pre-established feeding preparation procedures and adhering to quality control standards.
• Uses correct and accurate techniques to measure powders and liquids.
• Stores prepared feeds properly until delivery to the patient area.
• Maintains daily records and updates computerized patient profiles regarding the feed order.
• Completes daily batch records for prepared feedings.
• Maintains a daily log of refrigeration and heating temperatures, including refrigerators in the patient care unit.
• Maintains sufficient stock and order adequate supplies:
• Completes daily tally or census sheets indicating formulas prepared.
• Prepares storeroom or purchasing requisition for all infant formulas, glassware, bottles, enteral feeding bags, teats, and other supplies and notifies supervisor of any shortages.
• Orders products and supplies and notifies supervisor of any shortages.
• Checks expiration dates on products on delivery and in storage
• Maintains sanitation in the preparation area of the special feed unit. 
• Cleans and sanitizes all work surfaces in the preparation room before and after each feeding preparation.
• Cleans utensils, equipment, and storage areas used in the infant feeding preparation room according to established procedures.
• Follows aseptic technique.  
• Follows department and infection control policies regarding feeding handling. 
• When appropriate, prepare samples for bacteria check according to the established protocol.
• Maintains daily appearance and personal hygiene according to departmental guidelines.
• Operates equipment – e.g. weighing scales, blast chillers, dishwashers.

CLINICAL 

Nutrition assessment 

• Assists with or initiates data collection as directed by the RD or as per standard operating procedures and begins documenting elements of the nutrition assessment for finalization by the RD. Systematically collects and records relevant data from patients, clients, family members, caregivers, and other individuals and groups. 
• Utilizes food-/nutrition-related history; anthropometric measurements; biochemical data, medical tests, and procedures; nutrition focused physical findings, and clients’ history to determine factors affecting nutrition and health status. 
• Organizes and categorizes the data in a meaningful framework that documents nutrition assessment parameters. 

Nutrition Diagnosis 

• Per RD – assigned task, communicates and provides input to the RD, when applicable, to assist in identifying a nutrition problem that can be resolved or improved through treatment / nutrition intervention. 

 Nutrition intervention/ Plan of care 

• Implements or oversees standard operation procedures for nutrition intervention based on nutrition assessment and diagnosis. 
• Assists with implementation of individualized patient /client interventions and education as assigned by the RD.

Nutrition Monitoring 

• Implements or oversees duties performed by the other clinical nutrition or foodservice staff according to standard operating procedures. 
• Completes, documents, and reports to the RD and others the results and observations of patient -/client – specific assigned monitoring activities. 

Counseling and Education 

• Per standard operating procedure, or as assigned by the RD, provides nutrition counseling and education to patients, families and caregivers, and the community using evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines and appropriate instructional methods and tools. 
• Assists in the education of Nutrition and Dietetic students and Graduate associates.

Meal services

• Conducts calorie counts, assessing adequacy of nutrition intake as requested by the RD. 
• Coordinates specific diet orders/ or meal preferences with the food service division.

Documentation and communication 

• Documents relevant, accurate, and timely information performed in the Nutrition Care Process in the patient’s electronic medical record. 
• Communicates treatment interventions determined by the medical team through interdisciplinary meetings, rounds, medical conferences, and nutrition-related in-services, serves as resource on nutrition issues. 
• Works collaboratively with food service staff and patient supply store.

Accreditation and Regulatory compliance

• Assures that care delivered to each patient is in accordance with local laws and regulations.
• Assists with achieving compliance with The Joint Commission International, Ministry of Public Health to continuously improve both the safety and quality of care for the patients/ client and the organization’s overall performance. 

Time Management Functions

• Maintains productivity standards and practices effective time management and prioritizing of tasks.
• Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities, including information for scheduling and billing.
• Manages resources (time, materials) in a cost-effective manner.
• Participates in the orientation and training of students, dietetic technicians, and new dietitians.

Performance Measurements and Quality Improvement

• Collects specific information and tracks processes, outcomes and structure. Measures initiatives using quantifiable indicators to identify performance and actual results of a program, service, or activity. 
• Participates in continuous quality improvement activities for clinical nutrition services.
• Participates in planning, developing, and implementing nutrition-related policies, procedures, and goals, 
• Conducts in-services and educational presentations for hospitals/department staff.

Professional Development 

• Develops and implements an individualized performance and development plan based on competencies and performance indicators that demonstrate professional growth and development, including active participation in professional organizations, workshops, seminars and staff development programs.
• Continually improves performance to advance knowledge based on self –reflection, applied practice –informed evidence, and feedback from others. 
• Maintains licensing requirements for Qatar Council for Health Care Practitioners.
• Responsible for maintaining up to date mandatory Life Support Training requirements as directed by MoPH and Sidra (e.g. BLS, AED etc).

Communication

• Provides clear and consistent written and verbal communication and counseling.
• Communicates comprehensive knowledge and application of nutrition services.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with patients, the public and hospital and medical staff through professional communication, technical writing, and presentations. 

Interpersonal Relations

• Develops and maintains positive and trusted working relationships.
• Addresses customer, client and employer concerns and needs.
• Treats all with respect, dignity and compassion.

Technical knowledge 

• Possesses knowledge of the Nutrition Care Process and Terminology (NCPT) and the ability to apply all steps of the process.
• Demonstrates proficiency in use of technology and its applications, including MS word, processing, nutrients analysis and spreadsheet software. 

Analytical thinking

• Systematically gathers information from a variety of resources and utilizes critical thinking to integrate facts, informed opinions, active listening, and observations. 
• Analyzes information to help identify implications, solutions, and conclusions based on appropriate data. 
• Uses existing procedures, experience, and judgement to solve routine and complex problems. 

Customer focused 

• Demonstrates service excellence and patient-and family-centered care by showing respect, honesty, fairness and a positive attitude towards all customers. 
• Strives for high customer satisfaction when working with patients, families, coworkers, other departments, physicians /providers, and the community. 
• Meets customer service needs quickly and effectively; taking action to review and remedy customer complaints. 
• Adheres to Sidra’s standards as they appear in the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policies.
• Adheres to and promotes Sidra’s Values

In view of the evolving needs and opportunities within Sidra, this position may be required to perform other duties as assigned and reporting relationships may vary.