Clinical Dietitian - Outpatient
Durham, NC, US, 27710
About Duke University Hospital
Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of Duke Health's four hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.
Clinical Dietitian -Outpatient
Job Code:5034FLSA:EJob Level:F1Supervisory Responsibility:No
Work Schedule is Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
**This position is eligible for the $5,000 commitment bonus.**
General Description of the Job Class
Coordinate all phases of nutrition care including nutrition assessment, care planning, monitoring, education and counseling of hospitalized patients and outpatients in a variety of settings. Perform duties in support of and in compliance with performance improvement plans, JCAHO, and other licensing, accrediting, and regulatory agencies. The Duke University Health System offers career advancement through a clinical ladder program.
Duties and Responsibilities of this Level
Level I
Duties and responsibilities may include providing nutrition services and medical nutrition therapy integrated with the patient's medical goals. Evaluating, interpreting, monitoring and documenting the nutritional status and nutritional needs of hospitalized patients and out patients using established standards of care and practice guidelines.
Identifying and providing age-specific nutrition counseling to meet the cultural needs of the patients and their families.
Developing, reviewing, updating and implementing educational materials to meet the needs of patients and professionals.
Writing orders for diet, supplement, enteral/parenteral nutrition and laboratory data per hospital policy.
Functioning as an integral member of the clinical interdisciplinary team.
Maintaining registered dietitian (RD) status including continuing professional education per the Professional Development Portfolio. Maintains North Carolina Board of Nutrition and Dietetics licensure. Precepting dietetic interns and provide on the job training for newly hired clinical staff.
Supervising daily work of dietetic technicians, registered; provide input into evaluation but doesn't directly evaluate their performance. Complying with Nutrition Services meeting and attendance standards.
Level II
In addition to Level I, Dietitian works in an assigned specialty area and integrates research and education into practice as evidence by competencies. Is a liaison and advocate for the profession by utilizing and sharing new practice knowledge and skill into other areas of the profession (management, public health) and or other disciplines.
Level III
Thinks critically, displays a range of highly developed clinical and technical skills, and formulates judgements acquired through a combination of education, experience and critical thinking. Based on department's need have the ability to provide expertise, oversight and leadership in a designated specialty area.
These areas include: Student Advisor, Malnutrition Specialist, Adult Nutrition Support Specialist, Pediatric Nutrition Support Specialist, Program Coordinator, Clinical and Quality Specialist, IT Specialist, Outpatient Clinical Coordinator, Lead, Subject Matter Expert.
Additional information can be found in the DUHS Clinical Dietitian Clinical Ladder Program.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education
Level I, II, III
Baccalaureate degree in Food and Nutrition, Dietetics, Nutritional Sciences, Human Nutrition, or comparable major.
Successful completion of coordinated program or dietetic internship of not less than 900 hours under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian.
Experience
Level I
One year in an acute care environment preferred; experience may be waived for specific positions.
Level II and Level III
At least 5 years of clinical experience or at least 3 years' clinical experience plus an approved, nutrition related certification.
Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
Level I, II, and III
Registered dietitian (RD) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration; candidates eligible for registration may be hired with the expectation that registration will be achieved within 90 days of hire.
Licensed dietitian/nutritionist (LDN) by the North Carolina Board of Dietetics and Nutrition; provision for license-eligible dietitians as above.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
N/A
Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level
N/A
Job Code: 00005034 CLINICAL DIETITIAN
Job Level: F1
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Nearest Major Market:DurhamNearest Secondary Market:Raleigh
Freqently Asked Questions
Durham’s healthcare sector, anchored by Duke University, shows strong demand for clinical dietitians due to its comprehensive medical services. Competition is moderate, with preference for candidates holding RD credentials and North Carolina licensure, reflecting the region’s emphasis on highly qualified nutrition professionals.
North Carolina requires clinical dietitians to hold an LDN license alongside RD registration. This dual credentialing is crucial for practicing in hospitals like Duke University, ensuring compliance with state regulations and enhancing professional credibility within the local healthcare system.
Success as an outpatient Clinical Dietitian at Duke demands proficiency in nutrition assessment, care planning, and counseling tailored to diverse patient populations. Familiarity with enteral and parenteral nutrition, plus interdisciplinary collaboration skills, elevates patient outcomes in this high-standard clinical environment.
Advancement involves transitioning from foundational nutrition care to specialty roles like malnutrition specialist or clinical coordinator. Duke’s ladder encourages integrating research and leadership, rewarding expertise with increased responsibility and opportunities to influence clinical nutrition practices hospital-wide.
At Duke, clinical dietitians are vital collaborators, contributing nutritional expertise alongside physicians and nurses. This integration supports comprehensive treatment plans, ensuring nutrition therapy aligns with medical goals, which improves recovery rates and patient satisfaction across inpatient and outpatient services.
Duke University provides a $5,000 commitment bonus for clinical dietitians, reflecting its investment in retaining skilled professionals. Additional advantages include structured work hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm), career advancement programs, and access to cutting-edge clinical resources in a renowned healthcare network.
Duke fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity, encouraging clinical dietitians to engage in creative problem-solving and collaborative care. This environment promotes professional growth while supporting diversity and belonging, making it a sought-after workplace for nutrition experts in Durham’s healthcare community.
Clinical Dietitians in Durham typically earn between $60,000 and $75,000 annually, with Duke University offering competitive compensation reflecting its premier status. Salaries may vary based on experience, clinical specialty, and certifications, complemented by bonuses like the $5,000 commitment incentive.
Duke’s Clinical Dietitian role emphasizes outpatient nutrition care with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practice. Unlike some inpatient-exclusive positions, it integrates outpatient counseling, education, and specialty services, reflecting Duke’s comprehensive approach to clinical nutrition.
Candidates should demonstrate critical thinking, strong clinical skills, and cultural competence to tailor nutrition counseling effectively. Duke values Registered Dietitians who are proactive in education, committed to professional development, and capable of functioning as integral members of dynamic outpatient care teams.
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