Food and Nutrition Associate

Food And Nutrition Associate

Are you passionate about the patient experience? At HCA Healthcare, we are committed to caring for patients with purpose and integrity. We care like family! Jump-start your career as a Food and Nutrition Associate today with Heart Hospital of Austin.

This position performs the duties on the patient care unit, and is related to providing the patient with adequate nutritional intake under the direction/supervision of a Registered Dietician. The Food Service Associate II also ensures adequate supplies, proper storage of floor stocks, and the selection, distribution and pick up of the patient meals. This position also performs general food service duties that include preparation, storage and display of cold food items.

The Food Service Associate II is also responsible for maintaining a clean supply of small equipment for production area and for maintaining a clean supply of dishes and utensils. Additional responsibilities include cleaning and sanitizing the meal delivery carts.

General Responsibilities

• Unit Support Specialist Responsibilities:
• Always greets patients courteously.
• Assists patients in completing menu selections.
• Assists in meal tray assembly.
• Delivers meals to patient room promptly and removes trays upon completion of meal.
• Assists in the preparation and delivery of late trays.
• Uses proper infection control principles.
• Observes patients' needs for meals, snack and/or nourishments during rounds.
• Communicates regularly with the dietician on observations of patients eating habits and provides feedback as appropriate to nursing on issues as related to patient focus care.
• Daily inventories unit pantries, replenishes floor stock to approved par level and rotates stock appropriately.
• Cleans inside of refrigerators, microwaves and cabinets.
• Records daily temperatures on pantry/pods refrigerator/freezer log & promptly takes action on any deviation to approved temperatures.
• Assists in stocking tray line for tray preparation.
• Assists in sanitation and cleaning duties as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned in the dietary department.
• Dietary Aide & Cold Food Prep Responsibilities:
• Prepares food items, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, and beverages.
• Places servings in blender to make foods for soft or liquid diets.
• Apportions and places food servings on plate according to diet list for special selections and nourishments.
• Pushes carts to halls or unit kitchen when necessary.
• Washes dishes and cleans work area, tables and storerooms.
• Collects and places garbage and trash in designated containers.
• Cleans large and small equipment.
• Assists with special functions and catering.
• Procedures foodstuffs from refrigerators, freezers or other storage areas.
• Maintains work area in a clean, neat and orderly manner.
• Staff/Unit Responsibilities:
• Demonstrates effective communication skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively, and asking pertinent questions.
• Teamwork: interacts with fellow workers in a way that promotes a harmonious and cooperative working environment.
• Uses resources in an efficient and cost effective manner.
• Maintains and promotes a team spirit through active cooperation and collaboration.
• Attends 80% of in-services and departmental meetings.
• Help provide staff to other areas of the hospital when needed.
• Participation in development of peers and other staff.
• Keeps Team Leader informed of problems and recommends solutions.
• Effectively prioritizes assignments.
• Demonstrates a willingness to accept extra assignments.
• Professionalism:
• Adheres to dress code, conduct and attendance policies.
• Accepts both positive and negative constructive feedback.
• Attends at least 80% of in-services and departmental meetings.
• Demonstrates a supportive/positive attitude toward the hospital and fellow employees – is a positive team member.
• Expresses self in an organized, comprehensive, articulate and concise manner.
• Initiative:
• Develops specific work plans and due dates.
• Follows through on planned assignments within assigned time frames.
• Effectively prioritizes assignments.
• Demonstrates a willingness to accept extra assignments.
• Adjusts to change, work pressures or…