Job Summary

The Registered Dietitian in a long-term care facility is responsible for assessing, planning, and implementing nutritional care for residents. This role ensures that residents receive appropriate medical nutrition therapy to maintain or improve their health, manage chronic conditions, and enhance quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments for residents upon admission and periodically thereafter

• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized nutrition care plans

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members to support resident care

• Provide medical nutrition therapy for conditions such as diabetes, renal disease, and malnutrition

• Monitor residents’ weight, lab values, and dietary intake, adjusting care plans as needed

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., CMS guidelines)

• Oversee food service operations to ensure nutritional adequacy, food safety, and quality standards

• Participate in care plan meetings and communicate nutrition-related concerns with residents and families

• Provide nutrition education to residents, families, and staff

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in medical records

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field

• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential (required)

• State licensure or certification (as required)

• Experience in long-term care, clinical nutrition, or geriatric nutrition preferred

• Knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., CMS, OSHA, HIPAA)

Skills and Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team

• Knowledge of therapeutic diets and nutrition interventions

• Organizational and time-management skills

• Attention to detail and documentation accuracy

Work Environment

• Long-term care facility, nursing home, or rehabilitation center

• May involve standing, walking, and occasional lifting

• Interaction with elderly or chronically ill residents

Typical Schedule

• Full-time or part-time; may include occasional weekends depending on facility needs