Patient Dining Associates work on assigned units in a healthcare facility, and provide services that include helping patients make menu selections, assemble, deliver and pick-up their meal trays. They are part of the caregiving team, responsible for patient safety and satisfaction goals by making sure meals are accurate and delivered at the right time and temperature.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help patients understand their menu selections and work with nursing to ensure sure their orders comply with their nutritional requirements or restrictions.
• Work with the caregivers and culinary team to determine menu alternatives for patients with food allergies and sensitivities; cultural, ethnic and religious preferences; or when a patient inquires about additional selections.
• Manage tray tickets and assemble meals according to each patient’s menu selection in a timely and accurate manner. Retrieve trays from patient rooms at assigned times.
• Complies with regulator agency standards, including federal, state and JCAHO. Adhere to facility confidentiality and the patient’s rights policy as outlined in the facility’s Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) policies and procedures.
• Follows Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines when handling food, cleaning work stations and breaking down patient tray line.
• Follows facility and department infection control policies and procedures.
• Assist dietitians, such as helping monitor patients who cannot eat food through their mouth, are on liquid diets or have a specific calorie count to manage.
• Communicate problems or concerns with patients to appropriate personnel in a timely manner, following department procedures.
• Complete all daily, weekly or monthly reports as outlined in the Morrison Healthcare policies and procedures.
• Comply with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations, as well as department sanitation procedures.
• Performs other duties assigned.

Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write and interpret documents in English.
• Basic computer and mathematical skills.
• Must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds, as well as maneuver and push food delivery carts.