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

Pediatric Dietitian - Travel/Contract

Location: Sacramento, California
Contract Length: 26 weeks

Job Summary

Seeking a Pediatric Dietitian with at least 2 years of pediatric acute care experience. First-time travelers are accepted. This role involves working 5 days a week, 8-hour shifts from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Floating is required. Weekend shifts generally rotate with the inpatient adult team every 2 months or as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) license in California
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), including experience within the last year
• Experience working with pediatric patients
• Experience in outpatient and clinic settings
• Proficient in enteral and parenteral nutrition, including enteral nutrition (tube feedings)

Skills and Clinical Competencies

• Expertise in enteral and parenteral nutrition
• Experience with adult outpatient/clinic and acute myocardial infarction (MI) cases
• Knowledge of managing elevated cholesterol/triglycerides, heart failure, diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hypoglycemia
• Familiarity with abdominal wounds and surgeries, chronic diarrhea, hyperemesis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Understanding of pressor use and effects on gastrointestinal functioning
• Management of cirrhosis, dialysis/hemodialysis/CRRT, acute and chronic kidney disease
• Proficient in blood glucose/A1C monitoring, lipid panels, and medication effects (diuretics, immunosuppressants, insulin, laxatives, steroids)
• Skills in dysphagia management, appetite stimulants, aspiration safety, enteral nutrition (tube feedings), fluid balance, and nutrition therapy complications
• Ability to manage therapeutic diet orders, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), fluid status assessment, cachexia, cancer, chronic wounds, and failure to thrive
• Knowledge of fluid/electrolyte requirements, malabsorption syndromes, marasmus, metabolic demands, morbid obesity, nutrient deficiencies
• Competent in nutrition assessments/reassessments and Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE)
• Experience with protein calorie malnutrition and refeeding syndrome
• Acute care hospital and ICU experience preferred

Work Environment

• Teaching hospital and academic center with interdisciplinary teams
• Opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research and evidence-based protocol development
• Strong focus on health equity and access to care across a large, diverse patient population

Shift Details

• Day shift, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (5x8 schedule)
• Floating responsibilities included
• Weekend rotation approximately every 2 months or as needed

Compliance and Onboarding Requirements

• Valid driver’s license/state ID (clear photo required)
• Criminal background check within 30 days of start (7-year search including SSN trace, all counties/states lived/worked, national sex offender and criminal searches)
• E-Verify compliance
• Required certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP (if applicable)
• Physical exam cleared within one year of start
• Fit mask testing within one year of start (N95 or equivalent)
• Immunizations and titers: Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years), TB screening (Qgold/TSPOT or 2 PPDs), Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B titer or declination
• Negative 10-panel drug test within 30 days of start
• Flu vaccination or declination required by November 1 (flu vaccine not provided onsite)
• Completion of unit-specific competency exams and core training modules prior to start
• Signed confidentiality statement and HIPAA training confirmation required before start
• Badge pickup required prior to orientation during business hours

Documentation and History

• Employment application covering last 3 years with explanation of gaps over 6 months
• Two clinical references required, including one from most recent or recent employer within 6 months
• Unit-specific skills checklist required

This position offers a meaningful opportunity to impact pediatric patient care within a leading academic medical center known for its culture, multidisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to health equity.