Registered Dietitian

Fresenius Medical Care•Las Vegas, NV

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 Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) activities. Participates in process improvement activities that help patients achieve individualized goals established by their physicians. Assesses patients’ understanding of diet and kidney disease and provides education tailored to their learning needs. Completes nutritional assessments and participates in interdisciplinary assessments and development of individualized plans of care. Provides ongoing nutrition assessment and counseling, monitors and adjusts nutrition therapy, identifies malnutrition risks, reviews nutrition-related laboratory results, and collaborates with patients, caregivers, physicians, and the interdisciplinary team on care recommendations and treatment changes. Maintains accurate medical records and documentation, participates in QAI and staff meetings, coordinates pre-ESRD education when appropriate, and maintains professional knowledge, registration, and continuing education. The work environment is a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels. The role may involve exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials. Work includes desk and personal computer use 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. 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 teaching ability, strong organization, excellent communication and 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 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.
Work with the interdisciplinary team to develop written, individualized comprehensive plans of care in accordance with applicable guidelines.
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 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 and monitor plans of care with patient and caregiver involvement; adjust nutrition 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 on management and recommendations related to mineral metabolism and renal bone disease, anemia and iron status, nutritional and psychosocial status, vascular access, modality, rehabilitation, and sodium/volume control.
Follow FMCNA algorithm and medical-record policies; report nutrition QAI results and participate in the interdisciplinary QAI program.
Coordinate with team members in providing pre-ESRD education when appropriate.
Coordinate patient education plans with the Case Manager when appropriate and identify candidates for physician referral for nutritional supplements 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 staff, quality improvement, care plan, and other applicable meetings.
Consult with the FMS Corporate Dietitian regarding nutrition concerns as needed.
Maintain and improve professional knowledge and skills, 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.