Travel RDN - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Sacramento, California
University of California Davis Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Pediatric Dietitian

Location: Sacramento, California
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 26 weeks

Job Description

• Pediatric Dietitian role with a focus on pediatric acute care.
• Schedule: Day shift, 5 days a week, 8 hours per day (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
• Floating required.
• Weekend coverage generally rotates with inpatient adult team every 2 months or as needed.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Valid Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) license in California.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
• Experience as an RDN within the last year.
• Experience working with pediatric patients.
• Knowledge and experience with parenteral nutrition.

Required Certifications

• Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Required Skills and Clinical Knowledge

• Enteral and parenteral nutrition.
• Experience with adult outpatient/clinic nutrition.
• Management of acute myocardial infarction, elevated cholesterol/triglycerides, heart failure, diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, and low blood sugar.
• Knowledge of abdominal wounds and surgeries, chronic diarrhea, hyperemesis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Understanding of pressor use and effects on gastrointestinal functioning.
• Care for patients with cirrhosis, dialysis/hemodialysis/continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), acute and chronic kidney disease.
• Interpretation of blood glucose/A1C, lipid panels.
• Familiarity with medications including diuretics, immunosuppressants, insulin, laxatives, steroids, appetite stimulants.
• Dysphagia and aspiration safety management.
• Enteral nutrition (tube feedings), fluid balance, nutrition therapy complications, therapeutic diet orders, total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
• Assessment of fluid status, cachexia, cancer, chronic wounds, failure to thrive, malabsorption syndromes, marasmus, metabolic demands, morbid obesity, nutrient deficiencies, protein calorie malnutrition, refeeding syndrome.
• Nutrition assessments and reassessments, Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE).
• Acute care hospital and ICU experience.
• Ability to develop treatment plans and apply dietary guidelines.

Required Documentation and Compliance

• Return to Office (RTO) form must be submitted upfront.
• Valid Driver’s License or State ID (clear, legible copy required).
• Criminal background check within 30 days of start (7-year search including SSN trace, all counties/states lived/worked, national sex offender search, nationwide criminal search).
• E-Verify compliance required.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within 30 days of start.
• Education verification as applicable.
• Signed confidentiality statement and HIPAA training confirmation prior to start.
• Completion of facility-specific orientation modules before start date.
• Physical exam clearance within one year of start.
• Fit testing for N95 masks within one year of start (onsite fit testing possible if prior attempts exhausted).
• Immunization and health requirements:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap within past 10 years (no declinations accepted).
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 90 days of start (or documented positive TB history with chest X-ray and questionnaire).
  • TB questionnaire completed prior to start and updated annually.
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella: positive titer or two vaccines after age 1 (boosters required if titers negative/equivocal).
  • Hepatitis B titer required; if negative, signed declination or vaccination series accepted.
  • Varicella: positive titer or two vaccines after age 1 (boosters required if titers negative/equivocal).
  • Negative 10-panel drug test within 30 days of start.
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or declination required by November 1.

Required Exams and Competencies

• Unit-specific skills checklist.
• Core compliance exams (Core Part I, II, III) must be completed prior to start, with passing score of 80%.
• Medication/pharmacology competency exam (Relias Pharmacology Exam) required for RNs and LPNs only (not applicable here).
• Pediatric-specific competency exams as applicable.

References and Employment History

• Two clinical references required, one from most recent or within last 6 months employer.
• Employment application covering last 3 years with explanation of gaps over 6 months including city and state.

Additional Notes

• Badge pickup required prior to orientation during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM).
• Candidates must complete all required training modules and documentation prior to start unless extenuating circumstances are approved.
• This position involves working in an acute care hospital/ICU setting with pediatric patients.

This summary includes all relevant information for healthcare recruiters and workers considering this Pediatric Dietitian travel contract position.