Naomi Ward
Saint Louis
Summary
Registered Dietitian looking for a part time opportunity to provide excellent Medical Nutrition Therapy/education via telehealth setting. To provide services & education to outpatients specific to the patient's age and diagnosis & to maximize the patient's nutritional well being. Enthusiastic, well rounded, passionate and caring registered and licensed dietitian with years of work experiences in a wide range of areas of dietetics.
Professional with extensive knowledge in nutrition and dietary planning, prepared for this role. Demonstrates ability to develop tailored nutrition programs and provide guidance on healthy eating habits. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Skilled in patient counseling, meal planning, and nutritional assessments, valued for reliability and effective communication.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Telehealth Dietitian
Foodsmart
05.2023 - Current
- Performed detailed nutritional evaluations to tailor dietary recommendations for varied client needs.
- Implemented evidence-based guidelines to improve patient compliance and satisfaction with diets.
- Evaluated patients'' progress regularly, adjusting nutrition plans as needed to ensure optimal results.
- Stayed current on industry trends and research findings to deliver evidence-based nutritional advice to patients consistently.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to empower patients in making lasting lifestyle changes towards improved health outcomes.
- Assessed effectiveness of nutrition interventions by tracking measurable outcomes such as weight change, lab values improvement, or symptom reduction over time.
Outpatient Dietitian
Alton Memorial Hospital
Alton, IL
03.2022 - Current
- Counseled individual patients for weight management, including patients pre/post-bariatric surgery.
- Provided patients with the skills necessary to ensure success of ongoing medical nutrition therapy.
- Responsible for the nutritional assessment and education of outpatients.
- Provided nutritional education via 1:1 interactions, group education, and/or community initiatives in the office or via telehealth.
- Developed curriculum, organized and lead monthly bariatric support group meetings.
- Managed the everyday workflow of outpatient nutrition clinics and schedule exceptions.
- Encouraged and support behavior change related to specific disease states and medical conditions.
- Provide motivational interviewing.
- Provided nutritional counseling and education to outpatients with varying nutritional concerns including diabetes, weight management, hyperlipidemia, bariatric, malnutrition and more
- Counseled pediatric & adolescent clients and families in group and individual settings.
- Knowledgeable about outpatient billing guidelines and performed necessary documentation to ensure compliance of client charges with regulatory requirements.
- Provided group education sessions to a variety of patients with diabetes and bariatrics in person and via zoom.
- Ensured continuity of care by maintaining up to date medical records, communication with the client's primary care provider, and other service providers as required.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to optimize patient dietary management strategies.
- Mentored junior dietitians and interns, enhancing team knowledge and skills in outpatient care.
- Established strong rapport with patients by maintaining open communication channels and demonstrating empathy during consultations.
- Developed and presented community nutrition programs.
- Performed other duties as assigned.
- Communicated effectively and in a timely manner.
Clinical Lead Dietitian/ Outpatient Dietitian
Alton Memorial Hospital
Alton, IL
08.1996 - 02.2022
- Provided leadership and direction related to nutrition care with interdisciplinary team members.
- Assisted in accreditation-related projects, including but not limited to policies & procedures & meetings.
- Documented all aspects of the nutrition care process for patients in accordance with the department's guidelines and standards of practice.
- Planned, directed and monitored the clinical functions of the dietary department.
- Lead educational presentations and support groups on diabetes.
Diet Technician/ Supervisor
Village North Retirement Home & Health Center
Saint Louis, MO
08.1990 - 06.1996
- Participated in team rounds, coordinated inpatient care and completed care plans & MDS.
- Provided individualized nutrition assessments, evaluations and recommendations targeted to individuals' goals to manage a range of medical conditions.
- Provided Medical Nutrition Therapy to clients with various diagnoses.
- Counseled patients on weight loss, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, celiac disease, underweight and kidney failure.
- Developed patient education materials.
- Participated in community health fairs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - General Dietetics
Veterans Administration Dietetic Internship
Saint Louis, MO 06-1995
B.S - General Dietetics
Fontbonne University
Clayton, MO12-1993
Skills
- Therapy & Counseling
- People Skills
- Meal planning
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Clinical documentation
- Bariatric surgery support
- Weight management
- Diabetes education & management
- Effective communication
- Evidence-based care
- Relationship building
Websites
Affiliations
- Member of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and Commission on Dietetics Registration
- Member of Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES)
- Member of St Louis (Missouri State) Dietetic Association
- Licensed Dietitian in Missouri, Illinois and Oregon
Certification
- Member of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics-Registered Dietitian (Commission on Dietetics Registration)
- Member of the Diabetes Care & Education Dietetic Practice Group
- Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) in Illinois & Missouri
- Member of American Association of Diabetes Educators AADE/ ADCES
- Member of St Louis (Missouri State) Dietetic Association
Languages
English
Interests
Cooking, Traveling
Timeline
Telehealth Dietitian
Foodsmart
05.2023 - Current
Outpatient Dietitian
Alton Memorial Hospital
03.2022 - Current
Clinical Lead Dietitian/ Outpatient Dietitian
Alton Memorial Hospital
08.1996 - 02.2022
Diet Technician/ Supervisor
Village North Retirement Home & Health Center
08.1990 - 06.1996
Bachelor of Science - General Dietetics
Veterans Administration Dietetic Internship
B.S - General Dietetics
Fontbonne University