Associate Dietitian

About the Role

Provides nutritional services for the facility’s in-center and home patients to maximize nutritional status and improve clinical outcomes. Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, supporting the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) activities. Actively participates in process improvement to help patients achieve individualized goals set by their physician.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient’s knowledge of diet and kidney disease, providing education on the relationship between diet, kidney disease, and treatment.
• Provide detailed education to patients/families/caregivers on nutritional status, adequacy measures, fluid status, and nutrition-related lab parameters.
• Complete nutritional assessments and participate in interdisciplinary comprehensive assessments.
• Develop and implement written, individualized care plans in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
• Calculate diet prescriptions according to standards of practice.
• Maintain accurate documentation in medical records per FMCNA policies and regulations.
• Provide ongoing nutrition assessment and counseling to help patients achieve effective nutritional status.
• Identify malnourished or at-risk patients and collaborate with the team on interventions.
• Review albumin levels and body weight monthly; adjust therapy as needed.
• Collaborate on Urea Kinetic Modeling, mineral metabolism, anemia, psychosocial status, vascular access, and sodium/volume control.
• Report on nutrition QAI results and participate in the interdisciplinary QAI program.
• Coordinate Pre-ESRD education and refer patients for nutritional supplements as needed.
• Review nutrition-related lab results, counsel patients/caregivers, and recommend treatment changes.
• Communicate lab results and treatment changes to providers in nursing facilities.
• Participate in staff meetings, care plan meetings, and maintain dietetic registration/continuing education.
• Ensure work areas are safe and clean; perform other nutrition management duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Registered Dietitian as per Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition encouraged.
• Current state licensure if applicable.

Skills

• Minimum 1 year of professional work experience in clinical nutrition as a Registered Dietitian.
• Previous renal experience preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including teaching, organization, communication, and decision-making.
• Ability to perform responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer skills required.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with temperature control and moderate noise levels. May involve exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials. Requires desk work, computer use, and interaction with patients, staff, and physicians. Travel between facilities and regional/corporate meetings may be required.