Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated dietitian to join a newly formed Critical Care Dietetics service at Derriford Hospital. The successful candidate will work as a member of the specialist critical care multidisciplinary team based at Derriford Hospital.

This will include; being responsible for providing a specialist dietetic service following evidence-based practice, being an active MDT member, providing education, acting as a source of knowledge and expertise, developing ICU based nutritional protocols and plans, participating in audit and research related to critical care in order to improve clinical outcomes and develop the role and service. The post holder will be involved in all nutrition and dietetic departmental activities and contributes to the delivery of a Trust wide dietetic service.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

To work as a member of the specialist critical care multidisciplinary team based at Derriford Hospital. To be responsible for providing a specialist dietetic service following evidence-based practice, being an active MDT member, provide education, acting as a source of knowledge and expertise, developing ICU based nutritional protocols and plans, participate in audit and research related to critical care in order to improve clinical outcomes and develop the role and service.

The post holder is involved in all nutrition and dietetic departmental activities and contributes to the delivery of a Trust wide dietetic service.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on . We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission.

We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Practice autonomously, providing high quality clinical practice in the specialist area. Be proactive and collaborative in clinical decision making underpinned by an enhanced level of theoretical and practical knowledge. Use enhanced clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment and discharge of service users in specialist area. Undertake specialist holistic nutritional assessments including the calculation of nutritional requirements, interpretation of biochemistry, anthropometry, clinical history and other physical parameters in those with complex needs. 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 develop a suitable dietetic treatment plan based on evidence-based practice and provide advanced nutritional advice to service users, in collaboration with their carers, where needs are complex. This involves the interpretation and communication of complex and sensitive information in an understandable form. To develop and implement ICU and ward based nutritional protocols and procedures including nutritional screening, initiation of out of hours enteral feeding, monitoring food and fluid intake, managing dietary requirements, etc. Where appropriate, to advise and liaise with the catering staff concerning the dietary needs for service users. To monitor the ICU and ward based catering service and act accordingly. 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 provide expert dietetic advice to the multidisciplinary team, through attendance and participation in multidisciplinary team meetings, ward rounds and patient meetings. To be responsible for ensuring written and electronic patient records are completed for all patient contacts including statistical activity data records in accordance with professional, departmental and trust standards. To monitor and review the outcomes of nutritional care plans and adjusts to facilitate achievement of the desired goals in the light of changing medical treatment and personal circumstances. To provide clinical support and cover for other staff as requested by the Nutrition and Dietetic Service Manager. To supervise and co-ordinate the safe and timely discharge of patients on artificial nutritional support, liaising with hospital and community services. To advise on appropriate use of prescribable nutritional products within the critical care service and to general practitioners. To train, supervise and appraise Band 5 dietitians and dietetic assistants within the team. To develop and evaluate multi-professional teaching sessions. To develop educational resources such as teaching packs, case studies and guidelines. To provide training on critical care nutrition to staff groups, including nurses, doctors and non-specialist dietitians as required. To plan student training programmes for their critical care weeks, including tutorials and peer assisted learning sessions. To take the lead in student supervision and assessment. To act as keyworker for student dietitians throughout their placements as required. To manage and prioritise own workload and assist junior staff to do so. To maintain accurate and timely dietetic patient records (paper and electronic) in line with national and local record keeping standard

Person Specification

Qualifications & Understanding

Essential

BSc in Dietetics or Equivalent. HCPC Registration. Demonstrable dietetics experience in an acute NHS setting.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Demonstrable evidence of post-registration dietetic experience in a wide range of NHS acute clinical areas. Extensive demonstrable experience in enteral feeding and knowledge of enteral feeding tubes. Proven knowledge of nutrition support and best dietetic practice in relation to common clinical conditions. HCPC Professional Registration and BSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics or equivalent.

Desirable

Critical care and/or major trauma dietetic experience. Parenteral Nutrition experience. Demonstrable experience of developing evidenced based literature, guidelines or protocols. Experience of service development. An enquiring mind with an enthusiasm for research and innovation.

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

Effective communication skills with an ability to communicate with patients, carers and all levels of healthcare staff. Demonstrable teambuilding skills. Good clinical reasoning skills.

Desirable

Ability to work effectively and calmly within a busy environment. Able to interpret research findings and apply to practice.