Associate Dietitian

Purpose and Scope

A Registered Dietitian in training with less than the one year of clinical experience will work directly with a qualified dietitian. With direct supervision of a qualified renal dietitian, this position will provide nutritional services for the facilities in-center patients in order to gain the experience required by CMS until year of clinical experience is completed to become a qualified dietitian.

Actively participates in process improvements activities to enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve their individualized patient-specific goals as determined by the patient’s physician.

The Dietitian in training would not be qualified to complete patient assessments, develop plans of care, or take responsibility for QAPI program review. Under direct supervision of a company Registered Dietitian (employee with a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a renal dietitian).

Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including following all regulatory and FMS policy requirements. Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP). Supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for driving the company culture through values and customer service standards.
• Accountable for outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships through effective and timely communication.
• Take initiative and action to respond, resolve and follow up regarding customer service issues with all customers in a timely manner.
• Calculates diet prescription according to standards of practice.
• Evaluates patient’s knowledge of diet and kidney disease.

Completion of Nutrition History forms with patients to be used by CMS-qualified dietitian to complete assessments

Provides patient specific education to patient/family/caregiver regarding nutritional status, adequacy measures and results, fluid status, and all nutrition related lab parameters pertaining to their disease process, keeping in mind the learning style and preferences of the patient.

Reviews Nutrition Related Lab Results

Counsels patient and/or caregiver and formulates appropriate action to assist patient in achieving and sustaining an effective nutritional status.

• Communicates lab results and recommended treatment changes to the interdisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Communicates with physician and/or facility staff regarding lab results as appropriate.

Communicates lab results and recommended treatment changes to providers of patient care in nursing facilities (i. e. hospitals, short term and long-term care facilities).

Monitors adherence and response to nutrition therapy. Addresses issues impacting the patient’s ability to achieve the goals

Reviews each patient’s albumin level and body weight at least monthly. Identifies malnourished patients as well as patients at risk for malnutrition and works collaboratively with interdisciplinary team to identify appropriate interventions, resources or solutions. Involves patient/family/caregiver in improvement goals.

When appropriate, identifies candidates to refer to physician for nutritional supplements as per disease management agreements.

• Assist with fluid and volume management of patients
• Provides fluid and sodium education, as appropriate

Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team on management and recommendations for mineral metabolism and renal bone disease, anemia and iron status, nutritional status, psychosocial status, vascular access, modality, rehabilitation status and sodium/volume control.

Participates in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement and Plan of Care meetings with a CMS-qualified dietitian

• Attends all other pertinent staff meetings as applicable.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team, ensuring that all work areas are safe and clean.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in pharmacy-related responsibilities including setup, enrollment, and management
• Participates in lobby days
• Educates patients in emergency preparedness as it relates to food and nutrition
• Conducts staff in-services as needed or requested
• Adheres to FMCNA algorithm and medical record policies
• Maintains and improves knowledge and skills for a competent and innovative practice.
• Maintains dietetic registration and continuing education hours as specified by American Dietetic Association and state licensure regulations where applicable.

Other Nutrition Services Duties as Assigned

• Escalates issues to supervisor for resolution, as deemed necessary.
• Assist with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.

Day to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians.

The position may require travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to training clinics as well as regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required.

Supervision

None

Education and Required Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or directly related field, Master’s degree preferred
• Registered Dietitian as per Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Current State licensure if applicable

Experience and Skills

• Less than 1 year’s clinical experience.
• Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Fresenius Medical Care is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, national origin, age, disability, military service, or other non-merit-based factors