Registered Dietitian

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Provides registered dietitian services in one or more sites according to policies and procedures, and federal and state requirements.

Plans, organizes, develops, and directs the nutritional care of the resident in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations.

Assesses / Monitors the residents’ nutritional status and provides recommendations to clinical / medical staff.

Develops and updates nutritional care plans as needed.

Observes resident meal service to ensure diets are correct and modifications are followed.

Educates residents, families and staff on nutritional concepts and diet modification.

Works with other members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure that modified texture or therapeutic diets are in compliance with the resident’s medical condition.

Reviews menu changes to ensure compliance with the facility’s policy and procedures and state and federal guidelines.

Updates diet orders and menu changes as required .

Conducts audits of relevant nutritional care on a routine basis.

Completes nutritional assessments on residents on admission, readmission, quarterly , annually, and with any change in condition as per guidelines.

Completes assigned sections in the Minimum Data Set (MDS) as per facility policy and procedure, and ensures the accuracy of the information provided.

Performs regular inspections of food service areas for sanitation, order, safety, and proper performance of assigned duties.

Monitors residents for weight changes, nutrition support, and skin breakdown, and makes recommendations as needed.

Participates in inspection surveys, ensuring compliance with nutritional and dietary policies and procedures as per state and federal guidelines.

Additional Tasks

Treats all residents with dignity and respect .   Promotes and protects all residents’ rights.

Establishes a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures .  Complies with standards of business conduct, and state / federal regulations and guidelines.

Follows appropriate safety and hygiene measures at all times to protect residents and themselves.

Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, including verbal, written, and electronic communications.

Reports noncompliance with policies, procedures, regulations, or breaches in confidentiality to appropriate personnel .  Reports any retaliation or discrimination to HR or compliance officer.

Reports any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or mistreatment of residents to supervisor and / or administrator .   Protects residents from abuse, and cooperates with all investigations .

Reports any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and / or hazardous chemicals in accordance with facility policy .

Participates in all life safety and emergency drills and trainings .  Fulfills responsibilities as assigned during implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan.

Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to supervisor.

Follows established infection control policies and procedures.

As a condition of employment, completes all assigned training and skills competency.

P ersonal Skills and Traits Desired / Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Ability to maintain records and complete reports as required .

Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work .

Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies / personnel and the general public .

Must possess leadership, supervisory ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.

Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.

Must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family and staff.

Must be able to relay information concerning a resident’s condition.

Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace .

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

Meet general health requirements according to facility policy, including medical and physical exams and checking immunity status to various infectious diseases.

A b ility to assist in evacuation of reside nts during emergency situations.

A b ility to push / pull, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, perf orm overhead lifting and other common physical movem ents as needed for the position.

Communicates with medical and nursing staff, and other departments.

Subject to call-back during emergency conditions.

Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.

Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.

May be subject to handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Works in office and throughout the nursing facility.

Subject to frequent interruptions

Subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family member, personnel and visitors.

Knowledgeable of dietary practices and procedures.

May be exposed to heat / cold temperatures in the kitchen / storage areas.