Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is Louisiana’s leading cancer care organization, caring for more patients each year than any other facility in the region. And with strategic hospital and physician partnerships, we are delivering on our mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer.

Mary Bird Perkins and its partners work together to provide state-of-the-art treatments and unparalleled collaborative, comprehensive cancer services. This culture of innovation helps attract the best cancer minds in the country, from expert physicians and highly specialized scientists to forward-thinking leaders in supportive care and other disciplines.

Together, with our hospital and physician partners, we are one-hundred percent focused on cancer care.

Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

Job Description:

SCOPE: This position will be responsible for splitting time between all Northshore clinics as determined by current coverage needs. Position will also be available for telehealth/in-person assistance across the network as needed. Assess and monitor the nutrition status of patients receiving all cancer treatment modalities (radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, oral chemo, etc.) specifically those who are treated in the head and neck, esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and breast regions; Educate and counsel those with feeding tubes along with referrals via physicians, radiation therapists, nurses, nurse navigators, and social workers; Recommend nutrition supplements as needed to maintain patient’s optimal weight; Educate and provide patients and their families with items from Therapeutic Food Pantry as needed; Develop patient educational material related to nutrition; Demonstrate knowledge of growth and development patterns as appropriate for the oncology patient; Maintain awareness of patient status, care plan, and treatment regimen through care plans and follow-up services. 

FUNCTIONS:

• Assess and monitor the nutrition needs of patients with high potential of complications due to treatment-related weight loss.
• Assess the nutrition needs of other patients as referred by physicians, therapists, nurses, and social workers or as identified by evaluation of patient's medical record.
• Provide nutrition education to patients in a professional and efficient manner.
• Assist patients with internal support services such as the Therapeutic Food Pantry, external community agencies, DME companies, or businesses that may assist with nutrition products and equipment 
• Conduct cancer and nutrition related presentations to individuals with cancer, cancer survivors, and the general public.
• Develop/review/revise patient educational materials regarding patient nutrition.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in nutrition or nutrition related science, Masters preferred.   
• Experience in the nutrition care of oncology patients is preferred.
• CDR registration and licensed as a registered dietitian/nutritionist by the state of Louisiana and Mississippi (Mississippi licensure may be obtained upon official confirmation of employment)
• CPR certification