Alissa Bedtke
Chicago,IL
Summary
Nutrition professional prepared to create tailored nutrition plans for pediatric patients, focusing on individual needs and health conditions. Utilizes evidence-based practices to support growth and development. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and achieve health goals. Reliable and adaptable, known for analytical skills and empathetic approach to patient interaction.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Pediatric Dietitian
Lurie Children's Hospital Of Chicago
Chicago, IL
06.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized, evidence-based nutrition care plans tailored to pediatric patients with diverse acute and chronic health conditions
- Collaborated within interdisciplinary healthcare teams to assess, diagnose, and manage pediatric nutrition-related disorders, particularly congenital heart disease, heart failure, transplant, and kidney disease
- Provided comprehensive nutrition education and counseling to patients and families, emphasizing chronic disease management, growth optimization, and sustainable dietary practices
- Monitored and evaluated the effectiveness of nutrition interventions through ongoing assessment, data analysis, and adjustment of care plans as needed
- Conducted comprehensive Nutrition-Focused Physical Exams (NFPE) to assess malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, and overall nutritional status
- Collected and interpreted anthropometric measurements, including weight, height/length, head circumference, and mid–upper arm circumference, to support growth assessment and clinical decision-making
- Prescribed therapeutic diets, oral nutrition supplements, enteral/parenteral nutrition support, and recommended laboratory assessments in accordance with clinical indications and institutional protocols
- Contributed to pediatric nutrition research initiatives and quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and clinical practice standards
- Participated in the review and revision of unit-based feeding protocols utilizing current evidence-based research and best practice guidelines
- Organized a staff engagement committee to promote team morale and workplace cohesion
- Involved in the breast feeding task force and quality improvement committee
Clinical Pediatric Dietitian
Christ Advocate Children’s Hospital
Oak Lawn IL
02.2022 - 06.2025
- Conducted regular assessments of patient progress, adjusting dietary recommendations to optimize health outcomes
- Developed personalized nutrition plans for pediatric patients, addressing specific health conditions and dietary needs
- Educated families on nutritional guidelines, promoting healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices for children
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to implement comprehensive care strategies for patients
- Provided cross-coverage support for additional units based on staffing needs, ensuring continuity of nutrition care services
- Conducted detailed Nutrition-Focused Physical Assessments to evaluate muscle and fat stores, fluid status, and clinical indicators of malnutrition
- Ordered therapeutic diets, oral nutrition supplements, enteral/parenteral nutrition support, micronutrient supplementation, and laboratory monitoring as clinically indicated
- Reviewed and updated nutrition related job instruction tools, policies, and procedures as allocated
- Designed and updated nutrition education resources to enhance patient comprehension, engagement, and health literacy
- Provided operational support to the FNS department
- Supported department efforts to ensure compliance with department standards, policies, and procedures, as well as DNV and local health department regulations
- Precepted students, dietetic interns, and residents, facilitating hands-on learning, case review, and professional growth
- Supported onboarding initiatives and provided hands-on training to new staff, enhancing team integration and operational efficiency
Registered Dietetic Technician
Glenview Terrance Nursing Center
Glenview IL
10.2018 - 08.2019
- Completed Nutrition Assessments on short term patients and long-term residents upon admission, readmission, quarterly, annually, and weight changes
- Completed Nutrition MDS and CAA’s for billing insurance
- Attended patient and resident care plan meetings
- Communicated with the Dietary, Nursing, Social Service, Families, and Therapy
- Completed refrigerator and kitchen audits
- Completed patient satisfactory reviews monthly
- Completed chart audits
- Worked with Point Click Care and Meal Tracker computer software systems
- Completed meal rounds
- Assisted in tray preparation as needed
- Designed the Nutrition Board each month
Enteral II Coordinator
Option Care – Home Infusion Services Company
Addison IL
09.2017 - 09.2018
- Created tube feeding plan forms for all new patients
- Performed a 48-hour new patient follow up call
- Troubled shoots pumps if they malfunction or schedule a pump exchange
- Generated free form physician orders
- Supported Enteral I Coordinators with inbound calls, refills, and scheduling deliveries
- Took customer service calls
- Communicated with Dieticians, Benefit Coordinators, Referral Coordinators, Nurses, and Physician offices to ensure quality of care.
- Worked with CPR+ computer software systems
Education
Master of Science - Nutrition & Dietetics
Dominican University
River Forest, IL05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition & Dietetics
Dominican University
River Forest, Illinois12.2016
Associate of Science -
Illinois State University
Bloomington, Illinois05.2014
Skills
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Enteral and parenteral support
- Nutrition focused physical exam
- Pediatric growth assessment proficiency
- Infant feeding guidance
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Quality improvement
- EPIC electronic medical records
- Critical and analytical thinking
- Empathy and compassion
Certification
- Registered & Licensed Dietitian (Illinois)
- SERV Safe Food Handler Certificate of Achievement
- CLC certified
Timeline
Clinical Pediatric Dietitian
Lurie Children's Hospital Of Chicago
06.2025 - Current
Clinical Pediatric Dietitian
Christ Advocate Children’s Hospital
02.2022 - 06.2025
Registered Dietetic Technician
Glenview Terrance Nursing Center
10.2018 - 08.2019
Enteral II Coordinator
Option Care – Home Infusion Services Company
09.2017 - 09.2018
Master of Science - Nutrition & Dietetics
Dominican University
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition & Dietetics
Dominican University
Associate of Science -
Illinois State University