Registered Dietitian

Fresenius Medical Care•Dallas, TX

About The Position

Provides nutritional services for 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 improvement efforts that help patients achieve individualized goals set by their physicians. Assesses patients’ knowledge of diet and kidney disease, provides individualized nutrition education and counseling, calculates diet prescriptions, and completes nutritional assessments and progress notes. Works with patients, families, caregivers, physicians, facility staff, and interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement individualized plans of care, monitor nutrition-related measures and laboratory results, and recommend or adjust interventions as needed. Maintains accurate medical records and participates in quality improvement, care planning, and staff meetings. The work environment is a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. Daily work includes desk and personal computer tasks and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. The role requires travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required. No supervisory responsibilities are listed.

Requirements

Registered Dietitian credential as per the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Current state licensure, if applicable.
At least one year of professional work experience in clinical nutrition as a Registered Dietitian.
Demonstrated leadership competencies, including teaching ability, 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 certification is encouraged.
Previous renal experience is 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 and results, fluid status, and nutrition-related laboratory parameters.
Complete nutritional assessments and participate in interdisciplinary comprehensive assessments.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to 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 records in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
Provide ongoing nutrition assessment and outcome-oriented counseling to support effective nutritional status.
Identify patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition and work with the interdisciplinary team to identify interventions, resources, and solutions.
Review each patient’s albumin level and body weight at least monthly and 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 related barriers, and implement appropriate care-plan responses.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on Urea Kinetic Modeling recommendations to support the physician’s Kt/V prescription.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on management and recommendations related to mineral metabolism, renal bone disease, anemia and iron status, nutrition, psychosocial status, vascular access, modality, rehabilitation, 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 on Pre-ESRD education when appropriate.
Work with the Case Manager on patient education 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 the interdisciplinary team, physicians, facility staff, and relevant care providers.
Participate in staff, quality improvement, care-plan, and other applicable meetings.
Consult with the FMS Corporate Dietitian about nutrition concerns as needed.
Maintain and improve professional knowledge and skills, dietetic registration, and required continuing education.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to help ensure work areas are safe and clean.
Perform other assigned nutrition-management and related duties.