Registered Dietitian

Fresenius Medical Care•Rockledge, FL

24d

About The Position

Provides nutritional services to in-center and home patients, as applicable, to maximize nutritional status and improve clinical outcomes. As a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, supports the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) activities, and process improvements that help patients achieve individualized goals established by their physicians. The Registered Dietitian assesses patients’ knowledge of diet and kidney disease, provides tailored nutrition education and counseling, completes nutritional assessments, and participates in comprehensive care planning. The role monitors nutrition-related laboratory results and patient outcomes, adjusts nutrition therapy as needed, documents care in accordance with company and regulatory policies, and collaborates with patients, caregivers, physicians, facility staff, and other interdisciplinary team members. The position also supports pre-ESRD education, participates in quality activities and staff meetings, maintains professional knowledge and credentials, and performs other nutrition management and related duties as assigned. The work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels. The role may involve exposure to infectious or contagious diseases or materials. Daily work includes desk and personal computer use and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Travel is required between assigned facilities and community locations; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required. There is no supervision responsibility.

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.
Demonstrated leadership competencies and skills, including teaching ability, strong organization, excellent communication and customer service, relationship development, results orientation, team building, and decision-making.
Ability to perform responsibilities with minimum supervision.
Basic computer skills.

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.
Participate in developing written, individualized comprehensive plans of care in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements.
Calculate diet prescriptions according to standard practice.
Complete progress notes for chronic dialysis patients and maintain accurate medical record documentation in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
Provide ongoing nutrition assessment and outcome-oriented counseling to help patients achieve and sustain effective nutritional status.
Identify malnourished patients and patients at risk for malnutrition, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on suitable 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; document unmet goals and address barriers.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on Urea Kinetic Modeling recommendations related to the physician’s Kt/V prescription.
Collaborate on management and recommendations for mineral metabolism, renal bone disease, anemia and iron status, nutritional and psychosocial status, vascular access, modality, rehabilitation status, and sodium/volume control.
Follow company algorithms and medical record policies; report nutrition QAI results and participate in the interdisciplinary QAI program.
Coordinate with team members to provide pre-ESRD education as appropriate.
Work with the Case Manager on patient education plans and identify candidates for physician referral for nutritional supplements when appropriate and in accordance with 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 relevant 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 licensure regulations.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure work areas are safe and clean.
Perform other nutrition management and related duties as assigned.