Registered Dietitian - Eligible

Our Mission

All of us, for each of you, every time.

Our Vision

Together, serving as the trusted regional healthcare partner.

Our Values

Listen~Love~Respect~Excel~Innovate

At Samaritan we are dedicated to providing healthcare services to the community that we serve. We are committed to providing the very best work environment for our professionals and the very best care to our patients.

The Registered Dietitian Eligible individual provides nutrition care support under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Washington certified dietitian.

This role assists with patient nutrition needs, conducts screenings and basic assessments, provides diet education, and supports Nutrition Services operations.

All clinical documentation and patient care activities are reviewed and cosigned by a supervising RDN until the employee successfully passes the RD exam and obtains appropriate credentialing.

This is a full-time hourly position working Monday-Friday with typical schedule 9:00am-5:30pm.

Work Environment

The individual in this position is under the supervision of the Registered Dietitian and reports to the Nutrition Services Director. This position works closely with Physicians, Nursing and Nutrition Services staff to meet patient’s nutritional needs.

Essential Functions

• Assist patients with food preferences and guide them in selecting appropriate menu items based on prescribed diet orders.
• Modify patient menus as needed and provide diet clarifications to Nutrition Services staff.
• Communicate patient concerns or nutrition‑related issues to the supervising RDN.
• Provide basic diet education using approved materials for patients on special diets, under RDN supervision.
• Update or develop diet handouts as assigned.
• Document patient education and understanding in the medical record for RDN review.
• Conduct nutrition screenings and assist with nutrition assessments within established timeframes, following department SOPs.
• Utilize the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) and Nutrition Care Practice Guidelines as directed by the supervising RDN.
• Record pertinent nutrition information in the medical chart (e. g., calorie count summaries, screening results, education notes), with required RDN co‑signature.
• Notify the supervising RDN of any patients requiring advanced assessment or intervention.
• Serve as a resource to Nutrition Services staff for diet order clarification and menu questions.
• Provide diet‑related in‑services to Nutrition Services staff as requested.

Education & Experience

Education

• Completion of an ACEND‑accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and an ACEND‑accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) or supervised practice program. A Verification Statement confirming completion of both is required.
• Completion of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution. The degree may be in any field, provided the coursework meets ACEND requirements for DPD and DI eligibility.
• Completion of 4 hours of HIV/AIDS training, as required by Washington State.

Experience

• Previous experience working in a hospital.

Certification

• Eligibility to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam upon completion of the DPD and DI.
• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) exam must be scheduled within the first 3 months of employment and credentials obtained within 6 months, including:
• Certified Dietitian (CD) credential issued by the Washington State Department of Health
• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential issued by the Commission on Dietetic Registration

• Current Washington State Food Handlers permit.
• Basic Life Support Heartsaver (HS) level to be completed within three (3) months of hire.

Skills/Competencies

• Knowledge of foods/nutrition; food preparation, production, supervisory/instructional techniques.
• Demonstrates competency on equipment listed on department-specific checklist.
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a clinical environment.
• Critical thinking skills: Seeks resources for direction, when necessary.

Performs independent problem solving. Decision-making is logical and deliberate.

• Performs actions that demonstrate accountability. Exercises safe judgment in decision-making. Practices within legal and ethical guidelines.
• Demonstrates competency in ability to care for customers/patients across the age continuum.

Physical Requirements

1. Occasional standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, pushing and pulling.

2. Ability to communicate using verbal and/or written skills for accurate exchange of information with physicians, nurses, health care professionals, patients and/or family, and the public.

As a Samaritan professional, you will be asked to carry out the Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategy of Samaritan, personifying service and operational excellence including the creation and maintenance of the best patient, professional, physician, and student experience.