Registered Dietitian

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT:

The Registered Dietitian assesses, monitors, and educates SRD's patients on their ongoing nutritional needs while they receive dialysis treatments. The Registered Dietitian's dietary consultation is a key aspect of improving care for our patients with kidney disease. The Dietitian will support our patients in following an accessible and kidney-friendly diet.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Completes a nutrition assessment within 30 calendar days following the patient's first dialysis session.
• Develops and implements the patient’s individualized, comprehensive care plan based on needs identified from the assessment.
• Identifies specific interventions to meet nutritional needs based on evidence-based guidelines, best practices, and current research.
• Evaluates the current diet of the patient and recommends a nutrition prescription/diet order. Also recommend diet adjustments as needed.
• Educates the patient and family/caregiver about the role of diet and fluid management with kidney disease.
• Monitors laboratory results in comparison with goals and planned interventions. Reviews with the patient and make recommendations to the patient and IDT, including the physician.
• Document the care plan at least monthly, charting progress of the patient's diet.
• Participate in care planning meetings.
• Assesses patient understanding and success of nutrition interventions; collaborates with the patient to revise the plan as appropriate to achieve desired outcomes.
• Utilizes a patient-centered care approach, being respectful of and responsive to patient needs while encouraging patient engagement.
• Documents thoroughly according to SRD policy. Documents patient care and education via progress notes in the medical record.
• Participates in the QAPI process, documenting and attending meetings per clinic policy.
• Compiles and develops educational materials to be used as teaching aids in diet and nutrition education of patients.
• Identifies potential hazards related to nutrition care and communicates with other team members.
• Reviews ongoing research in kidney disease and nutrition; shares it with health care professionals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands and work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Day-to-day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians.
• The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required.
• 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.

• Must be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition or a related field is required.
• Minimum of one-year professional work experience in clinical nutrition is required.
• Previous renal care or dialysis related experience a plus.
• Current appropriate state licensure.