Registered Dietician

Position Summary:

The Registered Dietitian (RD) is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating nutrition services and individualized care for residents. The RD ensures that residents' nutritional needs are met in accordance with medical diagnoses, dietary preferences, and regulatory standards. The role includes conducting assessments, providing counseling, working with the dietary team, and supporting clinical staff in care planning.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Nutrition Management:

• Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments on all residents upon admission and as required (quarterly, annually, or with significant changes in condition).
• Develop and update individualized nutrition care plans based on resident needs, preferences, and physician orders.
• Monitor weight changes , intake, lab values, and other health indicators; recommend interventions as needed.
• Collaborate with nursing and medical staff regarding tube feedings, supplements, and therapeutic diets .

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation:

• Ensure compliance with CMS, state, and federal regulations , including dietary F-tags (e.g., F692-F699).
• Accurately complete documentation in the electronic health record (EHR), including MDS Section K and progress notes.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings and assist in survey preparation and response.
• Ensure proper implementation of all prescribed diets and nutrition-related physician orders.

Resident & Family Support:

• Provide nutrition education and counseling to residents, families, and caregivers as appropriate.
• Address resident food preferences and assist with meal satisfaction improvements.
• Participate in resident care conferences and collaborate on end-of-life or palliative care nutrition planning as needed.

Food Service Oversight & Collaboration:

• Work with the Dietary Manager to ensure meal services align with resident needs and dietary regulations.
• Review menus and recipes for nutritional adequacy and compliance with therapeutic diets.
• Conduct kitchen audits , including sanitation, meal accuracy, tray line, and portion control.
• Train food service staff on diet modifications, food allergies, and nutrition best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field (required)
• Completion of an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship (required)
• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) (required)
• Current state licensure or certification (as required by state law)
• Minimum 1 year of clinical nutrition experience , preferably in long-term care, skilled nursing, or healthcare
• Familiarity with therapeutic diets, clinical charting, and MDS Section K
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and critical thinking skills
• Proficiency in EHR systems (e.g., PointClickCare) and nutrition software (e.g., MealTracker, Computrition)

Schedule:

• Flexible schedule based on facility size and census
• May be part-time, full-time, or consultant-based
• Availability during survey windows or for urgent nutrition consults