Detailed job description and main responsibilities

·       To provide expert evidence-based advice to patients, carers and health care professionals regarding the provision of nutritional care for cardiovascular patients, to include cardiac surgical, cardiac medical and stroke/neurological patients. This will involve nutritional diagnosis (including interpretation of biochemistry, anthropometrics, clinic condition and diet history) and the development and monitoring of treatment goals and plans.

·       To act as a clinical resource, providing specialist knowledge to members of the dietetic department (and other staff as required) on cardiovascular conditions and the nutrition support required for these patients.

·       Participate as a core-member in cardiovascular multidisciplinary team meetings. Attend ward rounds as necessary.

·       To provide clinical support and cover for other staff as requested by the Stroke and Cardiac Team Leader and the Nutrition and Dietetic Service Manager.

·       Be proactive and collaborative in clinical decision making underpinned by an enhanced level of theoretical and practical knowledge.

·       Demonstrate a level of knowledge in relation to pattern of disease or disorder, marker of condition progression and range of treatment available at each stage of disorder or condition.

·       To be experienced in the use of anthropometric equipment for assessment of nutritional status, such as weighing equipment, hand grip dynamometer, callipers and interpretation of results. 

·       To maintain accurate and timely dietetic patient records (paper and electronic) in line with national and local record keeping standards.

·       To supervise and co-ordinate the safe and timely discharge of patients on artificial nutritional support, liaising with hospital and community services 

·       Monitor the delivery of services and participate in audit as advised by the Line Manager or Head of Department.

·       To work cooperatively with other professionals to ensure delivery of coordinated multidisciplinary service to patients requiring nutrition support.  Maintain good communication with all agencies involved with patient care e.g. GP’s, other dietitians in the peninsula, consultants, nurses, pharmacy, allied health professionals, catering etc. 

·       Communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise disease management. To translate complex information into an appropriate format for patients and carers.

·       To work with patients with difficult diagnoses being sensitive to their physical and emotional needs at all times.

·       To participate in the development of resources for patients and staff, ensuring that they are evidence based, up-to-date and in line with Trust policies on document control, and meet the needs of patients with a wide range of cultural and educational needs.

·       Organise, deliver, develop, and evaluate cardiovascular nutrition training for staff groups including nurses, doctors, other members of the multidisciplinary team, and dietitians.

·       To plan student training programmes for their cardiovascular weeks, including tutorials and peer assisted learning sessions. To provide supervision, assessment, and act as a keyworker to student dietitians throughout placements as required.

For further details please see attached JD&PS.