Registered Dietitian

Fresenius Medical Care•Runnemede, NJ

18d

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) and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) activities, and participates in process improvement to help patients achieve individualized, physician-determined goals. Assesses patients’ knowledge of diet and kidney disease and provides education tailored to their learning needs. Provides patient-specific education to patients and their families or caregivers on nutritional status, adequacy measures and results, fluid status, and nutrition-related laboratory parameters. Completes nutritional assessments and participates in interdisciplinary comprehensive assessments and development of individualized written plans of care. Calculates diet prescriptions, completes progress notes, and maintains accurate medical records in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations. Provides ongoing nutrition assessment and counseling; identifies malnutrition and risk of malnutrition; and works with the interdisciplinary team to identify interventions and resources. Reviews albumin levels and body weight at least monthly, monitors response and adherence to nutrition therapy, adjusts therapy as needed, and documents barriers to achieving goals. Collaborates with the team on recommendations related to urea kinetic modeling, Kt/V, mineral metabolism, renal bone disease, anemia and iron status, psychosocial status, vascular access, modality, rehabilitation, and sodium and volume control. Reviews nutrition-related laboratory results, counsels patients or caregivers, recommends treatment changes, and communicates results and recommendations to physicians, facility staff, and other care providers as appropriate. Participates in staff, quality improvement, and care plan meetings; coordinates Pre-ESRD education and patient education plans; and consults with the FMS Corporate Dietitian as needed. Maintains professional knowledge, dietetic registration, and continuing education requirements. Works with the interdisciplinary team to keep work areas safe and clean and performs other assigned nutrition management and related duties. The work environment is a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise. The role may involve exposure to infectious or contagious diseases or materials, desk and computer work, 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 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, 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 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 individualized written plans of care in accordance with applicable guidelines.
Calculate diet prescriptions according to standards of practice.
Complete progress notes for chronic dialysis patients and maintain accurate medical record documentation.
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 plans of care with patient, family, or caregiver involvement; monitor adherence and response to nutrition therapy; adjust 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 for mineral metabolism, renal bone disease, anemia and iron status, nutritional and 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 Pre-ESRD education and, when appropriate, coordinate patient education plans with the Case Manager and identify candidates for physician referral for nutritional supplements.
Review nutrition-related laboratory results, counsel patients or caregivers, formulate appropriate actions, recommend treatment changes, and communicate results and recommendations to care providers.
Participate in staff, quality improvement, and care plan meetings, as applicable.
Consult with the FMS Corporate Dietitian regarding nutrition concerns as needed.
Maintain professional knowledge and skills, dietetic registration, and continuing education requirements.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure work areas are safe and clean.
Perform other assigned nutrition management and related duties.