Inpatient/Outpatient Spinal Cord Injury Dietitian

Developed and implemented a plan of care for patients based on assessment of nutritional needs in correlation with interdisciplinary health care plans. Utilized physical (NFPE), clinical and laboratory data to complete assessment. Reviewed patient’s diet order, determined clinical appropriateness and communicated with physician concerning patient care plan. Documented results of nutritional assessment, MNT recommended and initiated, plan of care, results of diet consultation, recommendations for discharge planning, and nutrition orders in medical record (EPIC) in a timely manner. Provided nutrition education through individual and group teaching to patients/families, staff and the community. Maintained accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities, including information for scheduling and billing.

• Graduated from one of the nation’s highest-ranked dietetic internships which entailed a 41-week program featuring a rigorous medical nutrition therapy-focus, formal research study and graduate level courses within a 400-bed VA hospital.• University of Illinois-Chicago: Research on Clinical Nutrition Problems (HND 541) & Advanced Clinical Nutrition III (Critical Care Nutrition; HND 570)• Clinical Practice Experience: Hematology/Oncology (3 weeks), Spinal Cord Injury (3 weeks), Geriatrics (3 weeks), Surgery (3 weeks), Renal (2 weeks), Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition/ICU (2 weeks), General Medicine Clinic (Outpatient/Ambulatory Care) (3 weeks), Wellness (2 weeks), Food Service Systems Management (7 weeks), Clinical Nutrition Management (1 week), Home Based Primary Care (1 week), Pediatrics (2 weeks), Morton East High School (2 weeks), and Substance Abuse/Mental Health. Staff relief: Geriatrics (3 weeks).• Responsibilities included providing medical nutrition therapy for patients/clients with a host of complex medical and nutritional needs and developing adequate nutrition care plans though the interpretation of laboratory values, assessment of nutritional status, nutrition diagnoses, and recommendation for care plan and follow-up. Additionally, responsibilities entailed charting using the S.O.A.P. note method, Event Capture System, and Interdisciplinary Care Plan in the medical record. • Formal research study though the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital titled "An Evaluation of Self-Efficacy and Clinical Outcomes of the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and Joliet CBOC C.H.E.F. Program"

Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy by grading assignments and submitting grades into online computer system. Communicated with undergraduate and graduate students with regards to grading policies, help with assignments, and the providing of feedback from submitted assignments. Organized and prepared laboratory-specific equipment, tools and overall operation for Food Service Sanitation course. Lead student discussion and review prior to examination. Collaborated with professor to provide smoothest transitions from laboratory to classroom.

Worked within a team environment to coordinate activities for promotional events and business opportunities. Created and implemented cardiovascular training, resistance training and nutrition programs on an individual and group basis. Conducted individual and group personal training workouts on a daily basis.

Supported internal staff and overall business with filing, marketing and other administrative responsibilities. Worked in a team environment to coordinate activities for promotional events. Utilized computer programs to organize information in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Shadowed and observed personal and group training sessions. Created training and nutritional programs on an individual basis.