Job description

Job responsibilities

Communication and Relationships

• To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff. Positive relationships are characterised by open communication, trust and respect
• To liaise with nursing, medical, catering and other health professionals concerning the treatment of your patients whether on the wards or out in the community
• To communicate effectively with patients and carers to ensure understanding of condition and treatment plans
• To attend department meetings and team meetings
• To use a range of different communication skills; including motivational interviewing, counselling skills, negotiating skills and cognitive behavioural therapy to help patients achieve their nutritional goals, considering any barriers to change patients may have
• To advise and liaise with catering staff concerning the dietary needs of patients and work closely with dietetic and catering colleagues on issues such as menu planning, provision of therapeutic diets and initiatives to improve nutrition of patients
• To contribute as required to the multidisciplinary team via ward rounds; case conferences; discharge planning meetings and team meetings as appropriate
• To plan and organise group education sessions for patients
• To advise medical team on the appropriate prescription of nutritional supplements and enteral feeds for in and outpatients, based on individual clinical assessment. Arrange follow-up and monitoring as required

Analytical and Judgemental

• To be professionally and legally accountable and responsible for all aspects of your own work, including the management of patients in your care.
• To develop individual treatment plans for patients setting appropriate nutritional goals
• To negotiate and agree dietary changes with patients using appropriate counselling, motivational and behaviour change techniques and skill. This may also involve patients carers or other family members where appropriate and will require a sensitive and empathetic manner to overcome resistance to change.
• To evaluate and review your own work and that of the service, seeking the views of others and adopting the principles of evidence based practice to ensure maintenance of clinical and professional standards

Planning and Organisation

• To work as a member of the clinical team of Dietitians supporting team working within the hospital. This involves sharing responsibility and accountability for the dietetic cover for the medical and/or surgical wards
• To be able to organize and manage caseload

Patient and Client Care

• To provide Nutrition and Dietetic Services to adult inpatients and outpatients
• To undertake comprehensive assessments of adult patients, including biochemistry, anthropometrics, pharmacological, clinical condition, diet history and social circumstances and to use clinical reasoning skills to interpret data, using patient care pathways to plan patient care
• To provide dietetic advice to patients and / or carers, taking account of medical, social, emotional, psychological and cultural needs of the patients and to be able to use this complex and sensitive information in formulating individualised dietetic advice
• To provide appropriate treatment, monitoring and review of patients dietary needs, involving other agencies when indicated; treatments include therapeutic dietary modification, modified consistency, nutritional supplementation and enteral feeding
• To provide advice on appropriate use of nutritional products including product type, rate and volume to meet patients individual nutritional requirements
• To demonstrate empathy and reassure patients and their carers, when appropriate, to continue to reach targets throughout their nutritional treatment
• To ensure appropriate supply of nutritional products to wards in accordance with Trust policies
• To be familiar with the use of enteral feeding equipment used within the trust and community setting

Policy and Service

• To contribute to the services quality and audit programme, including the monitoring of clinical and process standards for your own work and that of the wider Nutrition and Dietetic Service
• To contribute to the development of high quality diet sheets, information leaflets and other educational resources to support the delivery of Nutrition and Dietetic Services
• To maintain an up to date knowledge and evidence base to support your practice.
• To contribute to the implementation of protocols and guidelines relevant to your work
• To evaluate and review your own work and that of the service, seeking the views of others and adopting the principles of evidence based practice to ensure maintenance of clinical and professional standards
• To contribute to the journal club and CPD meetings
• To cover for colleagues in their absence
• To be a member of the resources group or quality improvement group
• To contribute to the setting of targets and annual team objectives, and to the monitoring of these objectives

Financial and Physical Resources

• Does not hold budgetary responsibility but is aware of the need to plan non-pay expenditure for the team of Dietitians

Human Resources

• To contribute to the provision of tutorials and monitoring and supervision of student Dietitians and/or dietetic assistants (responsibility not given until completion of at least 6 months post-qualification experience)

Information Resources

• To maintain accurate and comprehensive patient records in line with HCPC, BDA, acute trust, PCT and departmental standards
• To collect patient data to meet the departments information requirements.

Research and Development

• To plan and provide appropriate training for other health professionals
• To provide group education session to specific patient groups e.g. pulmonary or cardiac rehabilitation
• To evaluate, review and update all training provided on a regular basis.
• To be responsible for maintaining your own competency to practice through Continuing Professional Development activities.
• To attend training courses relevant to your rotation (i.e. PENG/ paeds course/ primary care conferences)

Freedom to Act

• Describes and applies clinical reasoning for the treatment of patients under their care
• Works within broad treatment guidelines, but is able to act autonomously when making decisions about patients care. Is supervised by a senior dietitian with whom they can discuss treatment plans, problems and queries
• Refers the care of complex patient cases, which are outside their competencies, to a more Senior Dietitian

Professional Registration

• The post holder should work in accordance with their professional bodys Code of Conduct. Evidence of continuous registration is a requirement of employment with this Trust.

Personal Development

• The post holder will be expected to undertake ongoing personal and professional development commensurate with the responsibilities of the post. It is specifically expected that the post holder will avail him/herself of any opportunities of mentorship and development offered.

Role Development

• The duties and responsibilities contained within this job description are indicative but not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other work consistent with their grade. As the PCT develops the requirements of the post may change. The post holder will be fully involved and consulted as such changes occur.

Notes:

• The post holder will have access to confidential data on staff and services within the Trust. Failure to maintain confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action, which could ultimately lead to dismissal.
• You will be required to assess all risks to your systems, processes and environment and contribute towards the clinical and corporate governance agenda as appropriate.
• You will be expected to produce work to a high standard and to promote quality at all times.
• You will be expected to keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy. You must familiarise yourself with matters relating to Health and Safety management as they affect you personally and / or the Trust.
• You will be expected to participate in the staff appraisal scheme for staff you manage.
• You will be expected to keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy.
• The above Job Description does not purport to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. The post holder will be expected to undertake additional duties as the requirements of the post change.

Job responsibilities

Communication and Relationships

• To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff. Positive relationships are characterised by open communication, trust and respect
• To liaise with nursing, medical, catering and other health professionals concerning the treatment of your patients whether on the wards or out in the community
• To communicate effectively with patients and carers to ensure understanding of condition and treatment plans
• To attend department meetings and team meetings
• To use a range of different communication skills; including motivational interviewing, counselling skills, negotiating skills and cognitive behavioural therapy to help patients achieve their nutritional goals, considering any barriers to change patients may have
• To advise and liaise with catering staff concerning the dietary needs of patients and work closely with dietetic and catering colleagues on issues such as menu planning, provision of therapeutic diets and initiatives to improve nutrition of patients
• To contribute as required to the multidisciplinary team via ward rounds; case conferences; discharge planning meetings and team meetings as appropriate
• To plan and organise group education sessions for patients
• To advise medical team on the appropriate prescription of nutritional supplements and enteral feeds for in and outpatients, based on individual clinical assessment. Arrange follow-up and monitoring as required

Analytical and Judgemental

• To be professionally and legally accountable and responsible for all aspects of your own work, including the management of patients in your care.
• To develop individual treatment plans for patients setting appropriate nutritional goals
• To negotiate and agree dietary changes with patients using appropriate counselling, motivational and behaviour change techniques and skill. This may also involve patients carers or other family members where appropriate and will require a sensitive and empathetic manner to overcome resistance to change.
• To evaluate and review your own work and that of the service, seeking the views of others and adopting the principles of evidence based practice to ensure maintenance of clinical and professional standards

Planning and Organisation

• To work as a member of the clinical team of Dietitians supporting team working within the hospital. This involves sharing responsibility and accountability for the dietetic cover for the medical and/or surgical wards
• To be able to organize and manage caseload

Patient and Client Care

• To provide Nutrition and Dietetic Services to adult inpatients and outpatients
• To undertake comprehensive assessments of adult patients, including biochemistry, anthropometrics, pharmacological, clinical condition, diet history and social circumstances and to use clinical reasoning skills to interpret data, using patient care pathways to plan patient care
• To provide dietetic advice to patients and / or carers, taking account of medical, social, emotional, psychological and cultural needs of the patients and to be able to use this complex and sensitive information in formulating individualised dietetic advice
• To provide appropriate treatment, monitoring and review of patients dietary needs, involving other agencies when indicated; treatments include therapeutic dietary modification, modified consistency, nutritional supplementation and enteral feeding
• To provide advice on appropriate use of nutritional products including product type, rate and volume to meet patients individual nutritional requirements
• To demonstrate empathy and reassure patients and their carers, when appropriate, to continue to reach targets throughout their nutritional treatment
• To ensure appropriate supply of nutritional products to wards in accordance with Trust policies
• To be familiar with the use of enteral feeding equipment used within the trust and community setting

Policy and Service

• To contribute to the services quality and audit programme, including the monitoring of clinical and process standards for your own work and that of the wider Nutrition and Dietetic Service
• To contribute to the development of high quality diet sheets, information leaflets and other educational resources to support the delivery of Nutrition and Dietetic Services
• To maintain an up to date knowledge and evidence base to support your practice.
• To contribute to the implementation of protocols and guidelines relevant to your work
• To evaluate and review your own work and that of the service, seeking the views of others and adopting the principles of evidence based practice to ensure maintenance of clinical and professional standards
• To contribute to the journal club and CPD meetings
• To cover for colleagues in their absence
• To be a member of the resources group or quality improvement group
• To contribute to the setting of targets and annual team objectives, and to the monitoring of these objectives

Financial and Physical Resources

• Does not hold budgetary responsibility but is aware of the need to plan non-pay expenditure for the team of Dietitians

Human Resources

• To contribute to the provision of tutorials and monitoring and supervision of student Dietitians and/or dietetic assistants (responsibility not given until completion of at least 6 months post-qualification experience)

Information Resources

• To maintain accurate and comprehensive patient records in line with HCPC, BDA, acute trust, PCT and departmental standards
• To collect patient data to meet the departments information requirements.

Research and Development

• To plan and provide appropriate training for other health professionals
• To provide group education session to specific patient groups e.g. pulmonary or cardiac rehabilitation
• To evaluate, review and update all training provided on a regular basis.
• To be responsible for maintaining your own competency to practice through Continuing Professional Development activities.
• To attend training courses relevant to your rotation (i.e. PENG/ paeds course/ primary care conferences)

Freedom to Act

• Describes and applies clinical reasoning for the treatment of patients under their care
• Works within broad treatment guidelines, but is able to act autonomously when making decisions about patients care. Is supervised by a senior dietitian with whom they can discuss treatment plans, problems and queries
• Refers the care of complex patient cases, which are outside their competencies, to a more Senior Dietitian

Professional Registration

• The post holder should work in accordance with their professional bodys Code of Conduct. Evidence of continuous registration is a requirement of employment with this Trust.

Personal Development

• The post holder will be expected to undertake ongoing personal and professional development commensurate with the responsibilities of the post. It is specifically expected that the post holder will avail him/herself of any opportunities of mentorship and development offered.

Role Development

• The duties and responsibilities contained within this job description are indicative but not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other work consistent with their grade. As the PCT develops the requirements of the post may change. The post holder will be fully involved and consulted as such changes occur.

Notes:

• The post holder will have access to confidential data on staff and services within the Trust. Failure to maintain confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action, which could ultimately lead to dismissal.
• You will be required to assess all risks to your systems, processes and environment and contribute towards the clinical and corporate governance agenda as appropriate.
• You will be expected to produce work to a high standard and to promote quality at all times.
• You will be expected to keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy. You must familiarise yourself with matters relating to Health and Safety management as they affect you personally and / or the Trust.
• You will be expected to participate in the staff appraisal scheme for staff you manage.
• You will be expected to keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy.
• The above Job Description does not purport to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. The post holder will be expected to undertake additional duties as the requirements of the post change.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics
• HCPC dietetic registration
• Evidence of experience within the NHS relevant to Dietetics, either paid, voluntary or through clinical training

Desirable

• Currently working as a band 5 or dietetic assistant within the acute/community setting
• Membership of the British Dietetic Association

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Sound clinical knowledge of general dietetics including relevant national policies & guidelines
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex medical and nutritional information
• Evidence of multidisciplinary team working

Desirable

• Experience of carrying out audits within a clinical setting
• Experience of supervising students

Skills

Essential

• Written skills- evidence of a good standard of written and verbal English appropriate to the role
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients in one-to-one situations
• Presentation skills- ability to present to groups of patients/ healthcare professionals
• Able to work under own initiative and manage a caseload
• Evidence of ability to prioritise and manage time effectively and efficiently
• Proficient IT Skills, including use of Word, Microsoft Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint

Desirable

• Evidence of ability to critically evaluate current research & apply to own practice
• Use of behaviour change and motivation skills

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics
• HCPC dietetic registration
• Evidence of experience within the NHS relevant to Dietetics, either paid, voluntary or through clinical training

Desirable

• Currently working as a band 5 or dietetic assistant within the acute/community setting
• Membership of the British Dietetic Association

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Sound clinical knowledge of general dietetics including relevant national policies & guidelines
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex medical and nutritional information
• Evidence of multidisciplinary team working

Desirable

• Experience of carrying out audits within a clinical setting
• Experience of supervising students

Skills

Essential

• Written skills- evidence of a good standard of written and verbal English appropriate to the role
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients in one-to-one situations
• Presentation skills- ability to present to groups of patients/ healthcare professionals
• Able to work under own initiative and manage a caseload
• Evidence of ability to prioritise and manage time effectively and efficiently
• Proficient IT Skills, including use of Word, Microsoft Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint

Desirable

• Evidence of ability to critically evaluate current research & apply to own practice
• Use of behaviour change and motivation skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Lewsey road

LUTON

LU4 0DZ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)