Clinical Dietician
Medical
Min 2 Months
Please carefully read the role description below to verify that you meet the requirements. The apply button can be found at the bottom of this page.
Driven to provide hope & healing.
Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.
About this role
Requirements
Each role with Mercy Ships calls for a unique blend of experience, skills, and qualifications. The info below outlines what’s needed to serve effectively in this position—to meet operational standards and to help you thrive as part of the team.
What You Will Contribute
- Identify, assess, monitor, and provide safe nutrition interventions for adult and pediatric patients with surgically correctable disorders
- Provide nutritional support for ward patients post-surgery, including enteral feeding for pediatric and adult patients
- Assist in monitoring growth and making recommendations to ensure that infants with feeding difficulties—primarily those related to cleft lip and palate, as well as other surgically correctable conditions—meet the nutritional growth guidelines required to qualify for surgery.
- Liaise with the screening team to identify patients at risk of nutritional deficiencies and provide support for assessment days in identifying at risk patients
- Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure patient care is integrated and effective
- Provide counselling and training, using evidence-based medical nutrition therapy
- Assist with the hospital menu development and collaborate with the food service department and/or caterers to provide optimal nutrition for patients
- Provide nutrition education, in-service, classes or ward education to nurses, day crew and medical staff
What You Will Need
- Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program will be required for commitments longer than 12 months
- Credentialed as a Registered Dietician, or equivalent in home country
- Two years of experience in a clinical inpatient care setting, required
- Experience with food service management, preferred
- Experience working in an intensive care setting, preferred
- Experience in working with pediatric or cleft lip/palate patients, preferred
About the team
You’ll be part of the Medical Team, a close-knit group of dedicated medical professionals working together to bring hope and healing through surgical and medical care.
Frequently asked questions.
We are so excited that you are interested in learning more about serving with us. These are the most common questions we receive for this department.
SCAM ALERT: Please be aware of recruitment scams. Mercy Ships will never charge any fees as a part of the recruitment process. For more info click here.
Click here for a list of medical requirements to serve, including required immunizations.
The experience of a lifetime is calling.
More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.
At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.
Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve—and your own.
Faith-Led Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Mercy Ships is a faith-based organization welcoming volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to our mission and values. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.
Beware of Imposters: Confirm All Volunteer Communications
Volunteer opportunities and invitations to serve will always come directly from Mercy Ships’ official volunteer engagement teams. Never provide personal information to anyone without confirming their connection to Mercy Ships.
