Renal Dietitian

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Renal Dietitian is trained to assess nutritional needs, make therapeutic dietary recommendations, instruct patients and families with end stage renal disease, and monitor adherence and response to diets. The Renal Dietitian must make regular visits with patients and is expected to develop positive relationships with the patients, their family members and/or caregivers, and other staff members. The Renal Dietitian is responsible to the Renal Dietitian Coordinator but works cooperatively with other interdisciplinary team members. The Renal Dietitian must possess the physical capabilities to successfully perform the job as stated. Adherence to all DCL policies and procedures is required.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor of Science degree in food and nutrition science or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
Registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Licensed by the state of Nebraska as a Medical Nutrition Therapist
One year of clinical experience is required; previous renal experience is preferred.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS:
Patient Care
i.      Maintains current nutritional care plan on all patients based upon the nature of the patient’s illness, the treatment prescribed, and an assessment of the patients needs.

ii.      The plan is personalized for the individual to achieve short-term and long-term goals.

iii.      The patient, parent, or guardian is involved in the development of the care plan.

iv.      The responsible physician, nurse, social worker, and dietitian will develop the plan jointly.

v.      Charting nutritional progress will be included in the medical record of each patient on dialysis at least monthly.

Interdisciplinary Team Participation
i.      Coordinates with the medical and other professional staff to accomplish diet instruction, consultation, and therapeutic interventions.

ii.      Attends all interdisciplinary team meetings involving assigned patients or delegate attendance.

iii.      Maintains contact with hospitals and nursing homes regarding continuity of nutritional care for renal patients.

iv.      Develops and maintains friendly and effective working relationships with patients, health care team members and other employees.

Professional Growth
i.      Keeps informed of current research on nutritional principles of the renal patient.

ii.      Maintain necessary professional contacts.

iii.      Attends pertinent in-services or when requested to do so.

iv.      Attends all staff meetings, nutrition department meetings, and CEO/Administrator meetings.

v.      Understands and adheres to policies and practices of the Dialysis Center of Lincoln, Inc.

vi.      Follows security and safety policies, procedures, and practices of DCL, Inc.

vii.      Works cooperatively with all staff and keeps administrator informed of pertinent information and reportable situations.

viii.      Performs other related work as assigned.

 

CORE EXPECTATIONS
Competency
Professionalism
Dependability
Teamwork
Communication
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1.       Performs other related work as assigned within physical and mental capabilities.

2.       Participates on committees, work improvement groups, and other groups as able.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1.       Position requires the ability to be mobile within the Dialysis Center of Lincoln, Inc.

2.       Manual dexterity for utilizing computer-based charting.

 

The listed job requirements and physical requirements are not intended to be all-inclusive but only a representative list.  Some travel out of town may be required.

 

The Dialysis Center of Lincoln, Inc. is an alcohol, tobacco, and drug free facility.