Summary

Within the context of a patient, client and family centred model of care and, in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Providence Health Care, promotes a safe, respectful, and civil working environment for patients, residents, families, visitors and staff.

Reporting to the Practice Consultant, Allied Health Education and receiving direction from the Professional Practice Leader, Clinical Nutrition, the Practice Educator, Clinical Nutrition is responsible for providing clinical education, training, and mentorship across all PHC sites. Plans, develops and evaluates clinical education programs and learning resources. Works closely with Dietitians and Clinical Nutrition leaders to assess, validate, and refine dietitian competencies by identifying skill gaps, determining learning needs, and co-creating professional development plans. Provides individual and group education, mentorship and clinical practice support for clinical nutrition staff to provide safe, competent care to patients, residents, and their families. Leverages clinical experience, teaching, and coaching skills to facilitate continuous learning and professional development of both novice and experienced clinicians. Provides input on and supports professional, quality improvement, and clinical practice initiatives.

Qualifications / Skills and Education

Education, Training, and Experience
Master’s Degree in Nutrition or a related field from a recognized University plus four (4) years of clinical experience, including two (2) years of recent mentorship, teaching, or leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Dietetic practice education from an accredited program meeting the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice (ICDEP). Current registration with the College of Dietitians of British Columbia with Restricted Activities A, B and C. Membership in Dietitians of Canada is an asset.

Valid BC Driver’s License and access to vehicle may be required.

Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated ability to form and maintain positive working relationships.
• Demonstrated knowledge of dietetics theory and practice within a client/patient centered model of care.
• Demonstrated skill in the application of nutrition assessment and care principles utilizing an evidence-based practice approach.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clinical teaching, demonstration, facilitation, mentorship and coaching to individuals and/or groups.
• Demonstrated ability to develop educational programs and material.
• Demonstrated ability to provide consultation, direction, and leadership.
• Demonstrated knowledge of adult education and learning principles.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, organize, and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally on a one-to-one basis and/or group setting.
• Ability to apply decision-making, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Ability to role model, guide, and support others in resolution of conflict issues.
• Knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client/patient care.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and support staff through transition.
• Demonstrated ability to promote a supportive, creative learning environment and engage in continuous quality improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a computerized client/patient care information system as well as applicable word processing, spreadsheet and database software applications.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Utilizes a variety of individual and group teaching/learning strategies to support clinical education activities, such as role modeling, coaching, mentoring, conducting formal/informal presentations and demonstrations, coordinating introduction of new skills/procedures, arranging and providing in-service sessions, facilitating groups, and/or using educational technology and self-directed learning methods to implement planned programs. Facilitates scheduling of education sessions by collaborating with team members to determine times, frequency, and duration to ensure effective use of resources; maintains records and identifies/schedules team member attendance at update sessions.

Utilizes educational/curriculum theory and knowledge of specialized clinical practice to design, develop, implement and evaluate clinical education programs for team members such as orientation/training programs for new team members, educational support programs, formal mentorship programs, continuing education sessions and cross-cultural caring programs.

Acts as a clinical educational resource to Clinical Nutrition staff, combining advanced Clinical Nutrition knowledge, clinical experience, research evidence, practice guidelines and policies, and education theory. Facilitates individual and group learning and development by role modeling clinical decision making, demonstrating dietetics practice, answering questions related to best practice and complex patient care situations, and problem solving barriers.

Determines education priorities that meet learner needs by completing learning needs assessments of individuals or groups, through consultation, direct observation, dietitian self-assessment, clinical audits, and research. Collaborates with Practice Consultant, Allied Health Education and Professional Practice Leader, Clinical Nutrition to identify population needs and trends.

Evaluates education program effectiveness by measuring patient- and/or learner-centred outcomes.

Works with the individual Dietitian and relevant Clinical Nutrition leaders- to support the development of a professional development plan based on Clinical Nutrition educational theory and required competencies to practice.

Observes staff while performing patient care, reviews interventions and documentation, and provides formal feedback to ensure care is provided according to clinical standards, standards of practice, and clinical practice guidelines. Debriefs unsafe situations, investigates and takes corrective action and/or notifies appropriate personnel, as required.

Contributes to performance reviews of staff by monitoring clinical practice and providing recommendations to the Professional Practice Leader regarding variance from established guidelines, standards, polices, and procedures. Documents and follows up on incidents/performance issues.

Identifies opportunities for individual Dietitians to acquire or enhance clinical competencies and/or to access additional educational programs for professional development.

Collaborates with Clinical Resource/Specialists/Educators to ensure consistency in educational program planning and delivery.

Communicates regularly with the Practice Consultant, Allied Health Education and Professional Practice Leader to relay information and clarify expectations where necessary.

Collaborates with Professional Practice Leader in reviewing policies, procedures, practices, and reference materials, and makes recommendations for changes and modifications.

Promotes the utilization of research findings within practice through methods such as incorporating information into policies, procedures, reference materials, education materials, and teaching.

Supports Clinical Nutrition practices and educational initiatives across the organization through methods such as participating in committees, as approved by the Practice Consultant, Allied Health Education.

Maintains related documentation, including statistics. Provides reports on mentorship, education, and program activities as requested.

Performs other related duties as required.

Vaccination Flag

As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care/Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Providence Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.