Registered Dietician

Fresenius Medical Care•Portland, OR

About The Position

Provides nutritional services for the facility’s in-center and home patients, as applicable, to maximize nutritional status and improve clinical outcomes. Serves as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team and supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) activities, and process improvement initiatives that help patients achieve individualized goals established by their physicians. The Registered Dietitian assesses patients’ understanding of diet and kidney disease, provides individualized nutrition education and counseling, completes nutritional assessments, and participates in comprehensive care planning. The role includes monitoring nutrition-related laboratory results, albumin levels, and body weight; identifying patients at risk of malnutrition; adjusting nutrition therapy; documenting care; and collaborating with physicians, facility staff, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members on patient treatment and outcomes. The position also supports pre-ESRD education, quality improvement activities, and nutrition management duties as assigned. The work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility, with controlled air temperature and moderate noise. The role involves desk and computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Registered Dietitian credential as specified by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Current state licensure, if applicable.
At least 1 year of professional work experience in clinical nutrition as a Registered Dietitian.
Ability to perform responsibilities with minimum supervision.
Basic computer skills.
Demonstrated leadership competencies and skills, including ability to teach, strong organizational skills, excellent communication and customer service, relationship development, results orientation, team building, and decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition certification is encouraged.
Previous renal experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ knowledge of diet and kidney disease and provide education suited to their learning needs.
Educate patients, families, and caregivers about nutritional status, adequacy measures, fluid status, and nutrition-related laboratory parameters.
Complete nutritional assessments and participate in interdisciplinary comprehensive assessments.
Help develop written, individualized comprehensive plans of care in accordance with applicable federal and state guidelines.
Calculate diet prescriptions according to standard practice.
Complete progress notes for chronic dialysis patients and maintain accurate medical-record documentation in accordance with FMCNA policies and applicable regulations.
Provide ongoing nutrition assessment and outcome-oriented counseling to help patients achieve and sustain effective nutritional status.
Identify patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on interventions and resources.
Review each patient’s albumin level and body weight at least monthly.
Implement the plan of care with patient, family, or caregiver involvement; monitor adherence and response to nutrition therapy; adjust therapy as needed; and document barriers to achieving goals.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on Urea Kinetic Modeling recommendations to achieve the physician’s Kt/V prescription.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on mineral metabolism, renal bone disease, anemia and iron status, nutritional and psychosocial status, vascular access, modality, rehabilitation status, and sodium and volume control.
Follow FMCNA algorithms and medical-record policies.
Report nutrition QAI results and participate in the interdisciplinary QAI program.
Coordinate with team members in providing pre-ESRD education as appropriate.
Work with the Case Manager on patient education care plans and identify candidates for physician referral for nutritional supplements, as appropriate under disease management agreements.
Review nutrition-related laboratory results, counsel patients or caregivers, formulate appropriate actions, recommend treatment changes, and communicate results and recommendations to physicians, facility staff, and other care providers as appropriate.
Participate in applicable staff, quality improvement, and care plan meetings.
Consult with the FMS Corporate Dietitian regarding nutrition concerns as needed.
Maintain and improve professional knowledge and skills, dietetic registration, and continuing education hours as required by the American Dietetic Association and applicable state regulations.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure work areas are safe and clean.
Perform other nutrition management and related duties as assigned.