Registered Dietitian (RD)
Location: Clinic(s)
Immediate Manager: Facility Administrator, Medical Director
Indirect Superiors: Corporate Directors
Direct Team: RNs, PCTs
Internal Relations: Office Coordinators, LMSW, RD, Biomed, Purchasing
External Relations: Patients, Family Members
Company Description:
Established in 2021, Carmen [kidney] HEALTH has the mission to help individuals live happier, healthier and more productive no matter their [kidney] function and a vision to become the best healthcare company in the world. Carmen is unique in providing access to free kidney screenings, has a multidisciplinary approach to help people with chronic kidney disease, and offers state of the art in-center and at home dialysis therapies.
Headquartered in San Antonio, Carmen currently has 3 clinics in Floresville, Bulverde and Lakeway, Texas with locations opening in rural and underserved areas around the San Antonio and Austin metros. The company’s plan is to have clinics across the nation to provide patient choice and convenience particularly along with a digital presence to be available “anywhere, anytime.”
Carmen builds on more than a decade of experience providing patient wellbeing from Médica Santa Carmen (MSC) in Mexico. From its founding in 2011, MSC is today the preeminent network of kidney centers providing over 1,300 dialysis therapies per day and locations inside the Mayo Clinic affiliate and American-British hospitals. Part of MSC’s success comes from its “low cost/high quality” model which is enabled by technology, process and systems engineering to scale and its amazing people and culture to make the difference in each patient’s life.
Essential Responsibilities for all Carmen team members “Carmen Lights”
- Mission, Vision, and Values Alignment: Ensure adherence to Carmen HEALTH's “MiViVa”, SERÉ, TAILÚ principles and company, clinic, and team objectives and goals . Embrace the “patient’s well” mentality, knowing and showing the “Carmen Way” making a difference to transform[kidney] HEALTH and achieve our vision.
- Resource Stewardship: Manage resources prudently, including materials, infrastructure, and capital, to support Carmen HEALTH's operational needs and goals.and implement the work model of Carmen HEALTH, integrating PDCA, 5S and Lean methodologies for efficiency and effectiveness, striving to be better everyday, as an individual of integrity and teamplayer.
- Compliance with Quality and Safety Standards: Adhere to our “Home Base” Quality Management System, International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG), patient care standards, ensuring all activities are in congruence with the “Carmen Way” and in compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
- Team Leadership and Development: Operate as a leader, with motivation and provide opportunities for development and recognition starting with a “learn-it all” mentality and servant leadership approach. Foster a supportive and growth-oriented environment.
- Collaborative Improvement Initiatives: Actively participate in and contribute to improvement activities in collaboration with branch, clinical, and corporate teams, driving organizational improvement at Carmen HEALTH.
- Adaptability and Versatility in Role: Execute assigned responsibilities with diligence, support other team members as needed, and take on additional tasks to ensure smooth operations.
- Professional Commitment: Exhibit consistent punctuality, attendance, and a deep commitment to professional responsibilities, aligning with Carmen’s organizational goals.
Key Job Responsibilities
- Assessment of the Patient Nutritional Status: Conduct a thorough assessment of patients' nutritional status, including dietary habits, weight history, and laboratory values to develop personalized nutrition plans. A nutrition reassessment should be conducted annually or earlier if indicated.
- Individualized Diet Planning & Monitoring Dietary Compliance: Create individualized diet plans tailored to each patient's specific needs and cultural preferences, taking into consideration dietary restrictions, fluid restrictions, and nutritional requirements in consultation with the patient’s physician. Regularly monitoring and assessing patients' adherence to prescribed dietary plans and making necessary adjustments based on changing health conditions.
- Education & Counseling: Provide ongoing nutrition education and counseling to patients and their families on topics such as renal nutrition, dietary restrictions, comorbid conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension) and lifestyle modifications to manage kidney disease. Design educational materials and conduct seminars/classes concerning patient diets.
- Collaboration with Healthcare Team: Collaborate with nephrologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Is available for staff education regarding nutritional care of the patient. Actively participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress, treatment plans, and address any challenges related to nutritional care.
- Documentation & Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of patients' nutritional assessments, interventions, and progress in electronic health records.
- Policy & Process Adherence & Regulatory Compliance: Embody the ‘Carmen Way’, prioritizing patient wellbeing and promoting a safe, ethical care environment. Ensure compliance with CMS, NDAC, HHS, and Carmen standards, as well as other relevant regulations. Maintain documentation standards and adhere to best practices and international patient safety measures with HOME Base and Carmen’s EMR & systems as main tools.
- Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement: Participate in monthly interdisciplinary patient care conferences in Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) meetings to enhance the overall nutritional care provided in the hemodialysis clinic. Participate in clinical committees, contributing to policy and process improvements. Keep abreast of the latest research, guidelines, and advancements in renal nutrition to ensure evidence-based practice and the delivery of high-quality care. Provide necessary training to staff.
Sample Duties:
Understanding that “Job 1 = patient’s well, all is swell”, that essential job duties are to fulfill Carmen’s MiViVa, company objectives and clinic goals, satisfy the essential and key job responsibilities, and that no job description could ever list all duties, sample duties include:
- Complete patient comprehensive nutrition assessment with an educational component within 30 days or 13 treatments from admission to facility, whichever occurs later
- Provides ongoing monitoring of data to determine need for timely intervention and follow-up to improve patient’s nutritional status; measurement criteria include but not limited to: weight changes, blood chemistries, dialysis adequacy, and medications
- Provides and revises, as needed, standard menus for patients
- Enters data into facility EMR system as appropriate
- Is available to patients to answer questions regarding excessive weight gain, dietary non compliance, or other dietary matters
- Evaluate nutritional products for patients
- Refer patients for assistance with nutrition resources, such as financial assistance, community resources, or in-home assistance
- Is familiar with all emergency procedures
- Reports all incidents, complaints, or problems to Charge Nurse in a timely manner
- Updates and maintains medical records for in-center and home patients in neat, organized and professional manner to include periodic purging of outdated information
- Develops, edits and reviews company policies and procedures
- Supports CCNC, LMSW, FA, RN and other individuals that are part of the integrated care team
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Nutrition or Dietetics from an accredited college or university; active registration as a Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Clinical Experience: Minimum of 1 year of clinical experience as a Registered Dietitian, ideally with a focus on renal nutrition and hemodialysis patients.
- Knowledge of Guidelines: In-depth knowledge and practical understanding of prominent renal nutrition guidelines, including DOPPS (Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study), KDOQI (Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative), and KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes).
- Individualized Care Planning: Proven ability to develop individualized and evidence-based nutrition plans, taking into account dietary restrictions, fluid management, and nutritional requirements for patients undergoing hemodialysis.
- Collaborative Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, including nephrologists, nurses, and other allied health professionals.
- Continuous Education: Commitment to continuous education and staying abreast of the latest research, guidelines, and advancements in renal nutrition.
- Documentation Skills: Strong documentation and record-keeping skills, ensuring accurate and thorough documentation of patients' nutritional assessments and interventions in electronic health records.
- Quality Improvement Initiatives: Active participation in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall nutritional care provided within the hemodialysis clinic.
Working Conditions:
- Clinics located in retail shopping areas, focusing on underserved and rural communities.
- Emphasis on creating an accessible, effective, and delightful healthcare experience.
- Occasional travel to other clinics, external storage facilities, doctor’s offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and other referring organizations.
Measurement, Evaluation & Advancement:
- Performance Reviews: Regular performance evaluations based on predefined objectives and key result areas. This includes assessment of efficiency in administrative tasks, accuracy in inventory management, and effectiveness in patient care coordination.
- Quality of Service: Evaluation of the quality of service provided to patients and staff, including feedback collection and analysis. Measures the coordinator's ability to maintain high service standards and patient satisfaction.
- Compliance and Standards Adherence: Regular checks to ensure adherence to healthcare standards, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance, particularly in areas of patient data management and inventory control.
- Team Interaction and Leadership: Assessment of the individual’s ability to lead, motivate, and develop their team, as well as their effectiveness in collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Demonstrates TAILÚ.
- Efficiency in Resource Management: Evaluation of the coordinator's proficiency in managing physical and material resources, including inventory management, resource allocation, and cost-effective operations.
- Professional Development and Training: Monitoring the progression in professional skills and knowledge, including participation in training programs and proactive learning initiatives.
- Growth & Advancement: All Carmen Lights that demonstrate MiViVa and perform job duties exceptionally well are eligible for advancement and growing responsibilities
Key Takeaway
At Carmen HEALTH, we don’t see our work as “just a job”, but rather an opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of those we serve. As a dedicated Administrative Patient Care Coordinator, you will be at the heart of our mission to provide exceptional kidney health services. We seek individuals who embody our principles of MiViVa, SERÉ, and TAILÚ, and who are committed to the "patient’s well" philosophy. By joining our team, you become a crucial part of a dynamic, supportive environment dedicated to professional growth, continuous learning, and collaborative improvement.
Your role will extend beyond the typical responsibilities, reaching into the lives of our patients and the community we serve. If you're ready to make a difference and be part of a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, we invite you to apply. Together we are working to transform [kidney] HEALTH building the “best healthcare company in the world” and creating a future where accessible, effective, and delightful healthcare is a reality for all.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of dialysis experience do you have?
Education:
Experience:
- Dietetics: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Registered Dietitian (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Travis County, TX
