Registered Dietitian

Fresenius Medical Care•Dallas, TX

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, supporting the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) activities, and process improvements that help patients achieve individualized, physician-determined goals. Assesses patients’ knowledge of diet and kidney disease and provides education tailored to their learning needs. Completes nutritional assessments, participates in comprehensive interdisciplinary assessments, develops and implements individualized plans of care, calculates diet prescriptions, and documents care in accordance with company guidelines and applicable regulations. Provides ongoing nutrition counseling, monitors patients’ nutritional status and response to therapy, identifies malnutrition risks, and collaborates with patients, caregivers, and the interdisciplinary team to adjust interventions and support treatment goals. Reviews nutrition-related laboratory results and patient measures, communicates recommendations to physicians and care providers, and participates in QAI activities, staff meetings, care plan meetings, and Pre-ESRD education as appropriate. Maintains dietetic registration, required continuing education, and professional knowledge and skills. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Work takes place in a healthcare facility and includes desk and computer work and interactions with patients, staff, and physicians. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required.

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, 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 minimal 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 appropriate 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.
Develop written, individualized plans of care with the interdisciplinary team in accordance with applicable guidelines.
Calculate diet prescriptions according to standards of practice.
Complete progress notes 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 and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on appropriate interventions and resources.
Review each patient’s albumin level and body weight at least monthly.
Implement plans of care with patient, family, or caregiver involvement; monitor adherence and response to nutrition therapy; and adjust therapy as needed.
Document when patients are unable to achieve goals and implement care plans addressing barriers.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on Urea Kinetic Modeling recommendations and management of Kt/V, mineral metabolism, renal bone disease, anemia and iron status, nutritional and psychosocial status, vascular access, modality, rehabilitation status, and sodium and 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, as appropriate.
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.
Participate in relevant staff and care plan meetings.
Consult with the FMS Corporate Dietitian about nutrition concerns as needed.
Maintain dietetic registration, required continuing education, and professional knowledge and skills.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure work areas are safe and clean.
Perform other assigned nutrition management and related duties.