Dietetic Assistant - Children's team Nottingham, England
Job description
Supports the work of the Dietetic and Nutrition Service by: Monitoring designated patients under the direction of the Dietitian. Planning, delivering and evaluating educational and health promotion activities. Working within the departmental structure and under the supervision of the appropriate team leader. The post holder may be based on either campus of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
In undertaking this role, all employees will be expected to behave at all times in a way that is consistent with and actively supports the principles listed in the Consultation Document on the creation of the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. These are: The principles of the NHS, where high quality care is provided on the basis of need rather than the ability to pay. The contribution of the local community to the development of our services. Preserving and developing our reputation as a caring organisation.
Developing services that are designed around the patient. Working co-operatively with others in the interests of patients and their families. Valuing the contribution of staff and investing in their development. Valuing the diversity of all our staff, patients and carers and demonstrating a zero tolerance of discrimination.
The importance of developing innovative approaches to teaching, research and service provision, which allows us to be at the forefront of developments in patient care. Responsible and wise stewardship of public money and effective use of resources. Key Job Responsibilities Clinical Works under the direction of dietetic staff to support an effective dietetic and nutrition service to patients and carers using agreed protocols. This will include monitoring and review of out patients and community patients in a variety of specialities, working with individuals or groups as required.
Extracts relevant information regarding patient condition, weight and nutritional intake from verbal discussion with dietitians, patients or carers and other health care staff and from patient records and other information. Communicates information gathered to dietitians and other health care staff, in support of patient care using verbal and written methods of communication as required. Information gathered may be of a sensitive nature, requiring tact and persuasion to acquire and explain, for example, information concerning patient weight or diagnosis. Communicates required nutritional information to patients, relatives and carers where there may be barriers to communication and understanding such as cultural differences, hearing impairment, anxiety and memory loss.
Uses skills of explaining, persuading and motivating to support patients, carers and staff in meeting agreed dietetic aims. Assists the dietitians to organise the discharge and follow up of dietetic patients which may include delivering supplements and equipment within the hospital, preparing patient information and letters according to agreed guidelines, arranging visits/appointments and contacting other agencies, including home delivery companies and care homes, on behalf of the dietetic service. Uses a designated computerised programme to analyse food and supplement records for patients, including assessment of patient menus and reports the results to the dietitian involved. Maintains a prompt, accurate and factual record of all patient activity in shared dietetic and nursing records in accordance with Departmental and Trust guidelines.
Uses the agreed departmental computer system to maintain an electronic record of patient contacts for statistical reporting. Works as part of the dietetic and nutrition service to prepare and review information and resources on agreed topics, including displays. Plans, provides, delivers and evaluates straightforward education, training and group activities for patients, carers and health care staff. Ensures that all such activities are up to date and accurate in accordance with departmental guidelines and current best practice.
Departmental Monitors the availability and use of resources, including nutritional products and equipment, to support effective use in accordance with departmental guidelines. Orders additional stock where required in consultation with the dietitians, administrative team, health care staff and outside agencies. Acts as system administrator for relevant computer programmes at the request of the Dietetic Manager, ensuring that programmes remain up to date and are used effectively. This may include training other staff and students to use the programmes, adding or amending data and relevant upgrades.
Contributes to the continuous development and review of the dietetic and nutrition service, including review of guidelines, policies and procedures, through departmental working groups, teams or other forums. This may include retrieving abstracts and articles from journals, assisting with planning and data collection for audit and surveys and contributing to discussion of results. Works in consultation with the appropriate team leader and/or Dietetic Manager to ensure the Dietetic and Nutrition Department provides an effective, high quality service, meeting the needs of patients within financial and time restraints. Participates in departmental and divisional projects as a member of the dietetic department, including contributing to departmental meetings and working groups, in order to enhance the service to patients and in consultation with team leaders and departmental manager.
Personal Works within the code of British Dietetic Associations code of conduct for Dietetic Assistants and according to locally agreed protocols, guidelines, policies and procedures. Plans and prioritises own work in order to balance varying demands in consultation with team leader or departmental manager to ensure safe and effective practice. Participates in individual performance and competency review according to Trust guidelines, monitoring and evaluating own practice against changing demands and evidence. Implements changes in practice in consultation with team leaders or Dietetic Manager as appropriate.
Participates in a structured programme of continuing educational development in order to ensure competent and effective practice receiving supervision from an experienced dietitian to support development. Operates with in the Trust and Departments health and safety policies and procedures at all times to ensure personal and public safety including the reporting of untoward incidents. This will include attendance at mandatory health and safely training according to Trust guidelines, ensuring safe practice with equipment and contributing to departmental discussions about safe practice. Works in a way which ensures patient confidentiality is assured at all times according to Trust and Departmental policies and procedures.
Undertakes any other duties relevant to this position deemed necessary by the Clinical Director in line with changing practice and service needs.
