Heather Atkinson
Savannah
Summary
Dynamic Clinical Dietitian with proven expertise in medical nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling, honed across roles at St. Joseph's Hospital and other leading healthcare institutions in a variety of healthcare settings. Excelled in enhancing patient outcomes through innovative nutrition support and effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Demonstrated adaptability and strong organizational skills, significantly improving clinical quality measures.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Case Coordinator
Access Case Management
08.2023 - Current
- Served as a liaison between Worker Compensation clients, case managers, providers, insurers, and community resources to ensure optimal service delivery throughout the continuum of care.
- Conducted regular audits of clinical processes, identifying areas for improvement and driving continuous quality improvements across the organization.
- Facilitated timely access to appropriate healthcare services by coordinating referrals to specialists.
- Maintained thorough documentation of all clinical interventions, ensuring accurate records for continuity of care and regulatory compliance.
Clinical Dietitian, Part Time
St. Joseph's Hospital
02.2017 - 09.2024
- Conducted thorough nutrition screening and nutrition assessments, including nutrition focused physical exams, to identify malnutrition risk factors, develop effective interventions, and provide follow-up care in Neurological Intensive Care and Step-down Neurological Units.
- Calculated patient-specific nutrient and energy requirements in critically ill patients requiring nutrition support to minimize physiologic deterioration and promote anabolism and recovery.
- Provided medical nutrition therapy as needed in Intensive Care, Progressive Care, Cardiac Critical Care, Medical-Surgical, and In-patient Rehabilitation Units.
- Optimized nutritional support by adjusting enteral nutrition and providing recommendations for parenteral feedings as needed based on patient needs and tolerance levels.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings, providing insight into the role of nutrition in overall patient care, contributing to comprehensive treatment planning efforts, and assisting with discharge planning efforts when needed.
- Developed individualized meal plans for patients, considering their medical conditions and personal preferences.
- Used interpersonal communication, motivational interviewing, and teach back methods to educate patients and families on diet modifications and nutrition strategies for the management of a wide range of disease processes including, but not limited to, diet modifications / nutrition support post stroke, cardiac wellness, and diabetes management.
- Assisted in the identification of risk factors for malnutrition, improved the speed and accuracy of malnutrition diagnosis, and developed specialized protocols for managing malnutrition cases within the inpatient setting, enhancing recovery rates and assisting in reducing hospital stays length.
- Served as a resource to staff and peers for nutrition-related questions, offering guidance on best practices in clinical dietetics.
- Provided expert input during case conferences discussing complex patient cases requiring specialized nutritional interventions.
Registered Dietitian
DaVita Dialysis Corporation
08.2016 - 12.2017
- Completed nutrition assessments, monitored nutrition status, developed individualized nutrition plans/menus, and provided ongoing nutrition counseling to in-center and home dialysis patients
- Determined client-specific nutrient and energy requirements, with consideration to specific lifestyles, physiology and medical concerns.
- Made recommendations for adjustment in nutrition support and supplements to optimize the nutrition status of patients.
- Recommended laboratory measures for the monitoring of patient potassium levels and measures of Mineral Bone Disease
- Monitored intradialytic weight gains, developed and adjusted nutrition care plans, and educated patients on strategies to meet their target body weights
- Collaborated extensively with interdisciplinary team members to achieve desired outcomes for patients and the clinic.
- Educated and coached patients and families on appropriate nutrition management strategies for specific conditions and adjusted nutrition care plans based on current laboratory measures.
- Used electronic medical record systems proficiently for tracking patient progress notes, orders, and other essential documentation aspects required in daily practice as a Clinical Dietitian.
- Participated in performance improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall quality of care provided by the interdisciplinary team.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nutrition interventions and monitoring progress.
- Kept current with emerging research trends in nutrition science through continuing education opportunities and professional conferences.
Inpatient Clinical Dietitian, Full Time
St. Joseph Hospital
10.2010 - 08.2016
- Provided Inpatient medical nutrition therapy in medical/surgical, intermediate care, cardiac critical care, and transitional care patient populations
- Calculated patient-specific nutrient and energy requirements in various patient populations
- Completed detailed nutritional assessments of each patient based on health history, medical conditions, and energy requirements.
- Developed, monitored, evaluated, and adjusted individualized nutritional plan of care for various patient populations.
- Collaborated with physicians to manage and adjust enteral nutrition support in critically ill patients, as well as chronically ill and stable post surgical patients.
- Provided recommendations for orders and the adjustment of parenteral nutrition support.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to maintain expertise in clinical dietetics guidelines, best practices, and trends.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize the quality of care for patients and to enhance reduction in patient length of stays.
- Assisted case managers and social workers with nutrition needs of patients during discharge planning.
- Increased awareness of the role of nutrition in overall health by participating in community outreach events such as health fairs or presentations at local organizations..
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by coordinating with food service staff to develop therapeutic menus that met individual nutritional requirements while promoting patient satisfaction.
- Evaluated new products and technologies to stay current with industry standards in clinical nutrition practice.
- Utilized evidence-based practice guidelines to inform individualized patient care recommendations.
- Mentored dietetic interns, fostering professional growth through hands-on clinical experience and feedback.
- Tracked and educated all post surgical Coronary Bypass patients prior to discharge.
- Conducted needs assessments and provided Inpatient Diabetic Diet instructions using teach back method
Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Department Head
Superior Care Home
07.2007 - 10.2010
- Planned and implemented clinical nutrition services for 88-bed, long-term care and rehabilitation facility
- Completed nutrition assessments, formulated person centered nutritional care plans, monitored interventions, adjusted interventions, and updated nutritional care plans as appropriate.
- Completed required MDS documentation on all residents.
- Evaluated and recommended the use of nutritional supplements or enteral nutrition as needed, ensuring optimal nutrient delivery for patients with specific needs.
- Monitored and documented on nutritional at risk residents monthly
- Developed individualized nutrition interventions and plans of care for nutritional at risk residents to prevent and reduce unexplained weight loss or gains, skin breakdown, and dehydration.
- Assisted Dietary Manager in managing department productivity, quality compliance, and food cost control.
- Developed educational materials to promote healthy eating habits, resulting in increased awareness among residents and their families.
- Optimized clinical workflow by maintaining detailed documentation and efficient communication with colleagues.
- Conducted monthly foodservice audits and contributed to the development of departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Improved resident satisfaction and outcomes by developing and implementing customized nutrition plans based on individual needs, preferences, and medical conditions.
- Oversaw inventory management, maintaining par stock and emergency food stock levels.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and recognition of accomplishments among employees.
- Mentored Dietary Manager, providing guidance and support to foster professional growth and success.
- Collaborated with department personnel to coordinate multifaceted solutions to emerging problems.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through proactive problem-solving measures and excellent communication strategies with residents.
- Developed strong interdepartmental relationships to improve communication and collaboration across the organization.
Director of Dietary
Parkway Regional Hospital
07.2006 - 07.2007
- Planned and implemented clinical nutrition services for 70-bed, general medical and surgical hospital
- Assessed patients' nutritional status, developed nutrition and lifestyle care plans, and provided in-patient and out-patient education for weight management, diabetes management, and cardiac wellness
- Assisted in the recruitment, hiring, orientation, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of dietary staff members to maintain a high-performance team.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for increased food quality by optimizing meal preparation processes and replacing faulty equipment.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and sanitary work environment in compliance with state health regulations and industry best practices.
- Implemented cost-control measures by monitoring expenses, analyzing financial reports, and making strategic adjustments as needed to stay within budget constraints.
- Managed food inventory, ensuring optimal freshness and minimizing waste through careful planning and ordering practices.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors to secure quality ingredients at competitive prices and timely deliveries.
- Adjusted patient and cafeteria menus and developed nutrient-dense recipes and flexible meal templates to meet nutritional objectives.
Clinical Dietitian Consultant
Dietary Consultants Inc.
07.2005 - 07.2006
- Conducted nutrition assessments, developed and updated individualized nutritional care plans, and provided diet education for residents in 6 regional long-term / inpatient rehabilitation care facilities.
- Monitored and documented on nutritional at risk residents monthly
- Developed individualized nutrition interventions and plans of care for nutritional at risk residents to prevent and reduce unexplained weight loss or gains, skin breakdown, and dehydration.
- Completed monthly sanitation inspections, test tray meals service inspections, documentation audits, and educated food service personnel at each facility.
- Evaluated and recommended the use of nutritional supplements or enteral nutrition as needed, ensuring optimal nutrient delivery for residents with specific needs.
- Provided evidence-based nutrition therapy for diverse medical conditions, optimizing resident health, satisfaction, and outcomes.
- Completed all MDS documentation timely for each facility.
- Evaluated and recommended the use of nutritional supplements or enteral nutrition as needed, ensuring optimal nutrient delivery for patients with specific needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food & Nutrition, Dietetics
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Carbondale, IL12-1999
Skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Organizational skills
- Clinical critical care nutrition
- Motivational interviewing
- Electronic medical records
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Nutrition counseling
- Nutrition support
- Behavior change techniques
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Self motivation
Certification
- Licensed Dietitian (LD) - Georgia Board of Licensing.
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) - Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Timeline
Clinical Case Coordinator
Access Case Management
08.2023 - Current
Clinical Dietitian, Part Time
St. Joseph's Hospital
02.2017 - 09.2024
Registered Dietitian
DaVita Dialysis Corporation
08.2016 - 12.2017
Inpatient Clinical Dietitian, Full Time
St. Joseph Hospital
10.2010 - 08.2016
Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Department Head
Superior Care Home
07.2007 - 10.2010
Director of Dietary
Parkway Regional Hospital
07.2006 - 07.2007
Clinical Dietitian Consultant
Dietary Consultants Inc.
07.2005 - 07.2006
- Licensed Dietitian (LD) - Georgia Board of Licensing.
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) - Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Bachelor of Science - Food & Nutrition, Dietetics
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
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