Duke University Health System Job Description:
DIETETIC TECHNICIAN (4055)

Job Title: DIETETIC TECHNICIAN  Job Code: 4055 
FLSA: Pay Target: C1 
Date: 12/01/2022   Supervisory Responsibility: No 

General Description of the Job Class

The Level 1 Dietetic Technician is responsible for the preparation and delivery of all infant/pediatric feeds. Preparation techniques must adhere to all sanitation regulations and standards established by the regulatory agencies and health care facility which should include compliance with policies related to the institution's HACCP plan for enteral feedings. Duties include: (1) maintaining adequate supplies to meet patient needs, (2) operating all equipment needed to prepare feeds for pediatric patients, (3) maintaining sanitation in the mixing room, (4) filing temperature records and feed order reports, (5) securing the Pediatric and Infant Nutrition (PIN) Room, and (6) assisting with the training of ancillary personnel, as necessary.

The Level 2 Dietetic Technician, in addition to the responsibilities/duties of Level 1, may assist the Clinical Dietitian with clinical nutrition care including family/patient diet education. In addition, the Level 2 Technician may assume leadership functions within the PIN Room.

 

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Level 1

All work is performed under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian (RD) who is licensed in the state of North Carolina.

Prepares and delivers all infant/pediatric feeds as ordered

Ability to perform basic math calculations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Verifies new or questionable infant/pediatric feed orders with an RD for accuracy

Utilizes standardized or special recipes prepared by the RD, as needed

Prepares infant/pediatric feeds accurately according to established written formulations, following pre-established preparation procedures and adhering to quality control standards

Uses the correct techniques to measure breastmilk, sterile water, powders, liquids, etc.

Stores prepared infant/pediatric feeds properly until delivery to the patient care areas

Delivers prepared infant/pediatric feeds to patient care area refrigerators

Uses clinical information system to updated patient feed orders and create/print labels and production lists Inventories and maintains sufficient infant/pediatric stock of additives, formulas, etc.

Completes daily reports indicating feeds prepared

Orders products and supplies, and notifies supervisor of any shortages

Orders infant/pediatric formulas from the Materials Management department and/or notifies the Assistant Director to order from an approved and reliable vendor

Checks expiration dates on products (returns short-date formula deliveries)

Follows procedures for formula recalls at the direction of the supervisor

Maintains sanitation in the mixing area

Cleans and sanitizes all work surfaces in the mixing room before and after each feed preparation per protocol

Cleans utensils, equipment, and storage areas used in the mixing room according to established procedures

Follows aseptic technique when mixing infant/pediatric feeds

Follows department and infection control policies regarding handling of feeds

Maintains daily appearance according to departmental guidelines

Checks equipment for proper operation and reports problems to the appropriate supervisor

Assists in training other employees in the preparation of infant/pediatric feeds, handling techniques, etc., as needed

Communicates with patient care units regarding problems with feed orders, storage, or administration

Able to work with computer systems: Timeless and EPIC

Assists in the education of students and Interns, and helps to orient new Employees

Adheres to time and attendance policies

Uses time effectively; works well under pressure

Participates in improving work processes and facilitating change

Follows department/institutional safety standards

Works collaboratively with colleagues in clinical service unit teams and across the health system

Demonstrates concern and courtesy; treats all with dignity and respect

Performs additional duties as assigned

Level 2

The Level 2 Technician performs all duties of the Level 1 Technician, and the following:

Documents patient education provided according to policy

Counsels patients and/or families about formula mixing for home use

Assists in the education of students and Interns, and helps orient new Employees

 

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education:

Level 1 - High School Diploma

An Associate's degree in a biological science or Nutrition is preferred. Level 2 - An Associate's degree from a Dietetic Technician (DTR) program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and successful writing of the DTR exam. Four hundred and fifty (450) hours of clinical experience or completion of a Bachelor's degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college/university, or foreign equivalent. foreign equivalent,

 

Experience:

Level 1 - two year working in a healthcare setting, preferably in Food & Nutrition preferred. If enrolled in a dietetics program or has a Bachelor's degree in Science related field one year work experience preferred but not required.

Level 2 - Two years of clinical experience preferred or a combination of experience and/or Education

 

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:

Level I None required.

Level II Registration (DTR) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Level I Knowledge of and familiarity with The American Dietetic Association Guidelines for the preparation of formula. Closely follow policies and procedures. Ability to work independently, with limited direct daily supervision. Work in close collaboration with pediatric dietitians.

Level II Same as level I plus demonstrated ability to successfully work with individuals of varying personalities to meet common goals (including professional staff). Basic knowledge of disease processes and nutrition care for patients in designated area. Ability to counsel patients and/or families about therapeutic/modified diets.

Knowledge of the food service department method of operation and familiarity with its leadership

Knowledge of and familiarity with The American Dietetic Association Guidelines for the preparation of formula

 

Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level

N/A

 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.


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Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.