Job Summary

Works with and assists patients with their menu selections for the day and following day.  Population served:  The Nutrition Associate works with patients from all age groups and those who have varied medical problems.

Responsibilities

• Makes adjustments to patient menus in DFM system, prints and reviews patient menu tickets prior to each meal to ensure accuracy of menu selections and adherence to diet prescriptions. Makes additional changes on tickets based upon the interviews conducted that day and previous days accounting for patient preferences. Adjusts, adds or removes tickets during tray line operation saving the hospital food and labor.
• Enters patient menu selections into the DFM system. (Patient menu tally).
• Communicates daily to registered dietitians & pertinent information regarding the nutritional status of patients requiring attention. ( ex. Poor appetite, food preferences)
• Checks patient tray line for accuracy of patient trays by assuring that correct items are placed neatly on patient trays according to tray tickets.  Accounts for and adjusts for patient allergies.  Rejects any menu items not meeting quality, temperature or appearance standards.
• Does daily rounds at patient bedside to offer menu selections to the patient population and obtains patient selections. Immediately calls and handles patient issues on the spot using positive reinforcement and satisfies the patients’ needs.
• Responsible for keeping DFM diet office system continuously updated, i.e., assuring patients get original diet as ordered upon returning from testing. Notifies patient if there are diet changes that effect their previous meal requests.
• Makes necessary modifications to diets in the DFM system. Makes suggestions for menu changes as appropriate for patient diet based upon experience with patients.
• Takes phone calls from patient units. Gives information to kitchen supervision for late tray assembly and other food service requirements for patient units.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Serves as brand ambassador by upholding the WMCHealth Mission, Vision, and CARE values and promoting excellence in the patient experience, during every encounter.

Qualifications/Requirements

EXPERIENCE

Two years in Institutional food Service Setting preferred.

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or GED preferred