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 and home 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).

Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP).

• 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 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…