Registered Dietitian

Fresenius Medical Care•Kyle, TX

11d

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) and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) activities. Participates in process improvement activities intended to help patients achieve individualized goals determined by their physicians. Assesses patients’ knowledge of diet and kidney disease and provides education tailored to their learning needs. Delivers patient-specific education to patients and their families or caregivers about nutritional status, adequacy measures and results, fluid status, and nutrition-related laboratory parameters. Completes nutritional assessments and participates in interdisciplinary comprehensive assessments and individualized care planning. Provides ongoing nutrition assessment and counseling, monitors response and adherence to nutrition therapy, adjusts therapy as needed, and documents progress and barriers to achieving goals. Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team on patient care, nutrition-related recommendations, quality improvement, and coordination of education and referrals. Maintains accurate medical records, follows company and regulatory policies, and keeps dietetic registration and continuing education current. The work environment is a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious or contagious diseases or materials may occur. The role involves desk and computer work, interaction with patients and care teams, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. Travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required. No supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Registered Dietitian credential as per 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 ability to teach, strong organizational skills, excellent communication, 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 is encouraged.
Previous renal experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ knowledge of diet and kidney disease and provide education appropriate to their learning needs.
Educate patients and their families or caregivers about nutritional status, adequacy measures and results, 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 guidelines.
Calculate diet prescriptions according to standards of 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 patients who are malnourished or at risk for malnutrition and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on interventions and resources.
Review each patient’s albumin level and body weight at least monthly.
Implement care plans with the involvement of patients and their families or caregivers; monitor adherence and response to nutrition therapy and adjust therapy as needed.
Document when patients are unable to achieve goals and implement care-plan measures addressing barriers.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on Urea Kinetic Modeling recommendations to achieve the physician’s Kt/V prescription.
Collaborate on recommendations and management related to mineral metabolism and renal bone disease, anemia and iron status, nutrition, psychosocial status, vascular access, modality, rehabilitation, and sodium/volume control.
Follow FMCNA 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 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 with physicians and facility staff as appropriate.
Communicate laboratory results and recommended treatment changes to providers caring for patients in nursing facilities, hospitals, and short- or long-term care facilities.
Participate in applicable staff, quality improvement, and care plan meetings.
Consult with the FMS Corporate Dietitian about nutrition concerns as needed.
Maintain and improve knowledge and skills; maintain dietetic registration and required continuing education hours.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure work areas are safe and clean.
Perform other assigned nutrition management and related duties.