Senior Specialist Surgical Dietitian

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Specialist Dietician to provide a comprehensive dietetics service in surgical and critical care settings. You will also provide leadership for the dietetic team, in conjunction with the Clinical Lead.

This position is part of an expanding team with an opportunity to help shape the future service provision. It is anticipated that your clinical experience and knowledge will contribute to the development, evaluation and quality improvement of the surgical and intensive care department. If you are an enthusiastic, innovative and motivated Dietitian with a passion for Nutrition support and surgery, looking for a leadership opportunity, this may be your opportunity.

This post would be suitable for a highly motivated dietitian who already has knowledge and experience of working with patients with a diverse adult clinical caseload in surgical and critical care settings. You will work closely with the MDT to provide seamless dietetic care along the patients pathway. You will receive training and support as required. You will be expected to supervise and mentor student dietitians, Dietetic Assistants and junior staff.

You will be supported in attending relevant professional networking meetings and interest groups. We have student placements 2 and 3. We have good support from administrative and Dietetic Assistants.

Main duties of the job

The Dietetic team is part of a large and friendly therapy department and works closely with the wider MDT to provide expert nutritional advice for patients within the specialty area. Follow 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 one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with three acute hospitals and community sites serving a local population of around 700, also provide specialist services for Kent and Medway.

We care about our patients and our people. We are focused on providing outstanding, safe patient care, and a positive working culture that benefits staff and patients alike. With our emphasis on staff training and development, a staff support scheme that's second to none, and a healthy package of benefits, it's easy to put down roots in East Kent Hospitals

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please scroll down to the bottom of this page to find the detailed word document for the job description of this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

BSc Nutrition and dietetics or relevant degree with post graduate diploma in dietetics Health Professions Council registration for dietetics Trained in facilitated learning for Undergraduate Practice Placements

Desirable

BDA membership Membership of a BDA Interest Group Post graduate training in relevant specialty

Experience

Essential

Experience of providing dietetic treatment in specialist area Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team Experience of supervising dietitians/dietetic assistant practitioners Experience of audit, research and service improvement projects

Desirable

Experience of MDT collaboration at all levels.

Skills

Essential

Able to work safely and effectively under own initiative. Ability to work in a team, with good time management and organisational skills Excellent communication skills - both verbal and written Proficient skills Ability to teach effectively Advanced clinical reasoning skills Presentation skills Ability to liaise with professionals at all levels.

Desirable

Understanding of clinical audit

Knowledge

Essential

General dietetics knowledge including relevant policies and guidelines Highly specialist knowledge of the dietetic management of patients in specialist area

Desirable

Awareness of developments in the NHS to impact dietetic service. Understanding of how dietetic service impacts patient flow in acute setting.

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