Clinical Dietitian

Clinical Dietitian

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Clinical Nutrition Services | Non-Exempt

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Clinical Dietitian at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll play a vital role in delivering patient-centered nutrition care across the continuum of care. You'll collaborate with an interdisciplinary healthcare team to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) that supports patient outcomes, recovery, and overall well-being.

This role is ideal for a clinically driven, detail-oriented professional who is passionate about improving patient health through evidence-based nutrition practices while contributing to quality improvement and operational excellence.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.

• Compensation: Starting at $28.96/hour , based on education, experience, and internal equity.
• Schedule: Shifts Vary
• Applicable Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; wellness incentives; and additional employee support programs.
• Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.
• Status: Non-Exempt

What You'll Do as a Clinical Dietitian

Medical Nutrition Therapy

• Assess patient nutritional needs and develop individualized Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) plans.
• Implement and monitor nutrition interventions aligned with patient diagnoses and treatment goals.
• Provide nutrition counseling and education to patients and families.
• Evaluate patient progress and modify nutrition care plans as appropriate.

Clinical Collaboration

• Work closely with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate care.
• Support patient-centered treatment planning and clinical decision-making.
• Communicate effectively with care teams to ensure continuity of care across the patient journey.

Quality & Performance Improvement

• Participate in performance improvement initiatives designed to enhance patient outcomes.
• Utilize evidence-based standards of care and nutrition best practices.
• Support resource stewardship and cost-effective care delivery.
• Contribute to departmental quality, safety, and patient satisfaction goals.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and licensure standards.
• Maintain professional competency through continuing education and professional development activities.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications/Licenses

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics, Foods and Nutrition, or a related field from an accredited institution.

Experience

• One to two (1–2) years of related experience preferred but not required.
• Previous healthcare experience in an acute care or clinical setting preferred.

Required Licensure & Certifications

• Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RD/RDN) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Licensed with the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition .
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association required at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Ability to deliver safe and effective patient care within licensure and regulatory guidelines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to work independently.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service and patient-centered care.
• Basic computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, electronic documentation, and nutritional analysis tools.

Physical & Work Environment

Physical Demands

• Manual dexterity and mobility necessary for clinical responsibilities.
• Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday.
• Near visual acuity for documentation review, patient assessment, and nutrition-related tasks.

Working Conditions

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and healthcare environments.
• Exposure to electrical and mechanical equipment, chemicals, and biological specimens.
• Requires flexibility for irregular hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage as needed.
• Extended standing and walking during shifts.
• Frequent repetitive hand and wrist movements and close visual work.

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Advance your career through tuition reimbursement, continuing education opportunities, specialty certifications, and professional development resources.
• Impactful Work: Directly influence patient outcomes through evidence-based nutrition interventions and individualized care planning.
• Community & Lifestyle: Enjoy mountain living with access to hiking, skiing, biking, fishing, local arts, dining, and year-round outdoor recreation.
• Top-Tier Community: Boone is home to Appalachian State University and is consistently recognized as one of North Carolina's premier mountain communities.
• Meaningful Benefits: Access wellness programs, retirement benefits, educational assistance, employee support resources, and applicable healthcare coverage.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a collaborative healthcare team committed to compassion, respect, diversity, and service excellence.

Ready to Make a Difference Through Nutrition Care?

Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Clinical Dietitian and help improve health outcomes through exceptional nutrition care and patient education throughout the High Country.

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official. UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" Leapfrog Patient Safety Grade . UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation.

UNC Health Appalachian remains committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better."

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and more than 500 clinics, along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine.

It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve while furthering the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated and charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognitions for quality care, patient safety, and the overall patient experience.

For more information, visit unchealth.org .

Equal Opportunity Employer

UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and strive to foster a workplace where every team member feels respected and valued.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.