Registered Dietitian

Fresenius Medical Care•Laredo, TX

24d

About The Position

Provides nutritional services to the facility’s in-center and home patients, as applicable, to maximize nutritional status and improve clinical outcomes. The Registered Dietitian is a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team and supports the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI), and other process improvement activities intended to help patients achieve individualized, physician-determined goals. The role assesses patients’ knowledge of diet and kidney disease, provides individualized nutrition education and counseling, completes nutritional assessments, and participates in comprehensive assessments and care planning. The Registered Dietitian monitors nutritional status and lab results, adjusts nutrition therapy as appropriate, documents care, collaborates with the interdisciplinary team and physicians, and supports patient and caregiver education. The position also maintains professional registration and continuing education requirements. The work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility, with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. The employee may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. Day-to-day work includes desk and personal computer work, interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. Travel to regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required. No supervisory duties.

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 the 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 is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ knowledge of diet and kidney disease and provide education suited to their learning needs.
Provide patient-specific education to 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.
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 of 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 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 concerning mineral metabolism and 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 with team members to provide Pre-ESRD education when appropriate.
Work with the Case Manager on patient education care plans and identify candidates for physician referral for nutritional supplements when appropriate.
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 meetings, care plan meetings and other applicable meetings.
Consult with the FMS Corporate Dietitian about nutrition concerns as needed.
Maintain and improve knowledge and skills, and maintain dietetic registration and required continuing education.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure work areas are safe and clean.
Perform other nutrition management and related duties as assigned.