The Pediatric Dietitian III (PD III) is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who is an expert in general and in one or more subspecialty practice area. The PD III provides nutrition care to patients/families with well-developed, intuitive practice skills using current, evidence-based knowledge that meets the needs of the hospital population. The PD III is competent in current medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for pediatrics, participates in and initiates nutrition care decisions that lead to positive outcomes and is an effective educator. The PD III takes initiative to prioritize workload, deliver nutrition care to complex patients, and discusses/assists/advocates for nutrition care needs for the patients and their /families. The PD III can recognize problems and identify, develop and act upon innovative solutions to problems. The PD III serves as a mentor to less experienced team members inside and outside of the department and throughout the work environment. This position receives oversight by the Manager, Clinical Nutrition Services. The ability to work independently to manage daily workload, identify and solve problems in the work area, and meet or exceed quality and patient satisfaction goals is required.

• Provides nutrition care to patients/families over a broad spectrum and complexities of pediatric nutritional conditions/disorders, ages and developmental stages. Demonstrates expertise in one or more pediatric nutrition sub-specialties. Patient assignments are often complex. Applies effective decision making, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the patient care setting. Professional knowledge and skills meet expert–level (advanced practice) indicators from the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Pediatric Dietitians.
  
• Assesses the nutritional needs of patients, develops and implements an effective MNT plan of care, recommends and implements effective interventions and monitors/evaluates nutrition care outcomes for patients in a timely manner. Selects the appropriate feeding modality for the patient and accurately calculates nutritional needs. Changes to the nutrition plan of care are made according to findings in a timely fashion. Uses Phoenix Children's standards of care and evidence-based practice guidelines when providing care to patients. Depth and breadth of experience contributes to the development of quality standards and practice guidelines. Seeks new information and adds to the body of knowledge. Developed nutrition plan of care is integrated with the patient’s total health care needs and includes the psychosocial, ethnic, cultural and religious needs of the patient/family. Responds to and is sensitive to individual differences, varying socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
  
• Assumes a proactive role with patient/family education in the practice setting. Provides nutrition education to patients/families by identifying preferred learning style and then selecting technique, tools, and materials which promote/enhance learning. Intuitively adapts teaching style to facilitate learning and behavior modification for individual patients/families. Proactively evaluates practice standards and delivery systems to identify opportunities for improvement and participates/supports change that enhances care, treatment, and services.
  
• Documents nutrition care plans and recommendations accurately, concisely and adheres to documentation policies and standards. Ensures timely availability of information for inclusion in the interdisciplinary care plan.
  
• Participates in teaching/patient rounds and leads patient care discussions. Information/ discussion provided influences accurate, and appropriate interdisciplinary patient care decisions. Serves as a liaison between the health care team and family. Interprets, coaches and motivates others to make decisions ensuring the accommodation of individual needs and preferences. Understands, interprets and responds to age specific cues, non-verbal communication and caregiver feedback relative to nutrition care plan.
  
• Carries out patient care-related duties with minimal supervision. Effectively addresses departmental and interdisciplinary problems encountered within the work environment with little assistance from others. Intuitively recognizes when help is necessary, recognizes what is needed and then seeks appropriate assistance to confirm plan of action. Demonstrates understanding of hospital and departmental policies, operational systems, safety and practice standards, programs, goals, and initiatives. Abides by regulatory standards. Serves as a role model to less-experienced staff members.
  
• Serves the hospital, the community and other health care organizations as a resource for nutrition-related information and expertise. Nutrition education is provided to the interdisciplinary health care team and the community upon request. Identifies training opportunities, designs, and delivers programs within hospital environment.
  
• Develops and leads others in projects and activities that promote health and well-being of patients/families. Projects may include nutrition practice standards, regulatory agency standards, hospital and/or departmental operations systems, quality and performance improvement initiatives, safety, research, education, and mentoring/development of others. Personal involvement has a significant impact on project goals and outcomes. Demonstrates understanding and comfortably executes the principles, practices, methods and techniques of quality and performance improvement. Assumes a leadership role in activities, challenges, and mentors others in completion of projects.
  
• Completion of professional or departmental activities every 3 years to maintain status as a PDIII.
  Activities to be approved by CNM. Example of activities include:
  -Appointed or elected position in professional organization
  -Professional presentation outside of Phoenix Children's (conference lecture or abstract presentation)
  -Author in professional publication or review
  -Edit or review a clinical nutrition peer-reviewed professional journal article or book
  -Development and implementation of high value quality improvement project, education, or task force within PC
  -Active participation in research project
  
• Performs miscellaneous job related duties as requested.
  

To advance hope, healing and the best healthcare for children and their families

Phoenix Children's will be the leading pediatric health system in the Southwest, nationally recognized for exceptional care, innovative research and advanced medical education.

We realize this vision by:

• Offering the most comprehensive care across ages, communities and specialties
• Investing in innovative research, including emerging treatments, tools and technologies
• Advancing education and training to shape the next generation of clinical leaders
• Advocating for the health and well-being of children and families

• We place children and families at the center of all we do
• We deliver exceptional care, every day and in every way
• We collaborate with colleagues, partners and communities to amplify our impact
• We set the standards of pediatric healthcare today, and innovate for the future
• We are accountable for making the highest quality care accessible and affordable