Registered Dieitian

About the Role

Provides nutritional services for the facility’s in-center and home patients to maximize the patient’s 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 activities to enhance patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Assesses patient’s knowledge of diet and kidney disease and provides education tailored to patient’s learning needs regarding the relationship of diet and kidney disease and its impact on the treatment process.
• Provides patient-specific detailed education to patient/family/caregiver regarding nutritional status, adequacy measures and results, fluid status, and all nutrition-related lab parameters pertaining to their disease process.
• Completes nutritional assessments and participates in interdisciplinary comprehensive assessments.
• Participates in the development of a written, individualized comprehensive plan of care in accordance with established Federal and state licensure guidelines.
• Calculates diet prescriptions according to standard practice.
• Completes progress notes on all chronic dialysis patients according to established FMCNA guidelines and maintains accurate documentation in medical records.
• Provides ongoing nutrition assessment and counseling to assist patients in achieving and sustaining an effective nutritional status.
• Identifies malnourished patients or those at risk for malnutrition and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to implement appropriate interventions.
• Reviews each patient’s albumin level and body weight at least monthly and implements a plan of care with patient/family/caregiver involvement.
• Monitors adherence and response to nutrition therapy, adjusts therapy as needed, and documents barriers to achieving goals.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team on Urea Kinetic Modeling recommendations, mineral metabolism, renal bone disease, anemia, iron status, psychosocial status, vascular access, modality, rehabilitation, and sodium/volume control.
• Adheres to FMCNA algorithms and medical record policies, reporting on nutrition QAI results and participating in the interdisciplinary QAI program.
• Coordinates with team members in provision of Pre-ESRD education as appropriate and works with Case Managers to identify candidates for nutritional supplements.
• Reviews nutrition-related lab results, counsels patients and/or caregivers, and recommends treatment changes to the interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates lab results and recommended treatment changes to providers in nursing facilities (e.g., hospitals, short-term and long-term care facilities).
• Participates in staff meetings, care plan meetings, and other applicable meetings.
• Consults with FMS Corporate Dietitian regarding nutrition concerns as needed.
• Maintains and improves knowledge and skills for competent and innovative practice, including dietetic registration and continuing education hours.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure safe and clean work areas.
• Performs other nutrition management duties and related tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• Registered Dietitian as per Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition encouraged.
• Current state licensure if applicable.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional work experience in clinical nutrition as a Registered Dietitian.
• Previous renal experience preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, including teaching ability, strong organizational skills, excellent communication, customer service, relationship development, results orientation, team building, and decision-making.
• Able to perform responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer skills required.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels.
• May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
• Day-to-day work includes desk and personal computer work, interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians.
• Requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.

Pay

Annual rate: $71,000 - $117,000, depending on work location, qualifications, education, work experience, skills, and competencies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Parental leave.