Nutrition Assistant, Full-Time (Days)

Nutrition Assistant

At Houston Methodist, the Nutrition Assistant position is responsible for educating the patient on the dining services programs / process, is the initial point of contact for problem resolution and assures that information regarding the diet is accurate. This position is available to assist the patient with menu selection specific to their physician prescribed diet order, ensure timely meal / tray delivery and monitor feedback for improvement in selection and quality. The Nutrition Assistant position is responsible for correcting issues relayed from patients to appropriate staff and communicates with peers and management regarding identified hazards in the work place, following correct procedures in sanitation of work areas as appropriate. This position follows all department policies and procedures and complies with the local relevant Food Ordinances.

The responsibilities of the Nutrition Assistant include :

Greeting patients, using their name whenever possible, and educating them on the dining services programs / process, specific to their physician prescribed diet order when available. Interacts in a positive, professional manner with patients, family and staff. Communicates clearly and professionally to nursing, interprofessional staff and peers to promote both work efforts and problem resolution.

Serving as the first point of contact for all complaints involving patient Food Services. Follows through with resolving any problems and communicating to management when patient food service problems are identified.

Communicating pertinent information, e.g., difficulty eating, poor appetite, nourishment concerns, formula usage, requests to see the Dietitian, etc., to ensure properly handling and processing of information.

Contributing towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

Assuring that all new admits receives information regarding the operation of the dining services program and their prescribed diets. Assists and accommodates patients, as needed, with information regarding their diets, e.g. answering questions about their menu selections, placing their order using computerized software, meal ordering directions and problems, etc. Distributes tube feedings, nourishments / supplements, fruit baskets, birthday cakes, when ordered, to patients at the assigned times.

Identifying menu items and describes every item on the menu, responding to inquiries regarding taste and ingredients, as appropriate.

Checking the tray for accuracy and presentation prior to delivering to the patient. Secures any missing items or additional items requested by the patient at the time of delivery. Assists in plating food items on patients' trays during peak times, per team leader or management. Delivers trays and sets up accordingly.

Accurately logs and tracks customer concerns on appropriate document. Utilizes appropriate patient identifiers prior to meal delivery. Ensures that patients are satisfied with all levels of service ensuring that patient is satisfied prior to leaving the room. Contributes towards improvement of department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability to service standards.

Confirming diet orders listed as no orders on the patient meal work sheets, including orders, which do not conform to standard diet orders, maintaining current and knowledgeable of patient diet orders and hospital menus. Reviews Insulin reports / tickets for patients on diabetic medications that require medication reminders prior to meal delivery as appropriate; contacts nursing accordingly.

Performing quality or PI projects, as directed, which may include test trays. Ensures correct selection of meals is served to reduce waste and redundancy. Collects soiled trays from patient rooms, returns to food carts and records calorie count information on the tray tickets.

Providing accurate documentation of work performed. Maintains an orderly work area, ensuring that supplies, equipment, parts, etc. are stored in cabinets, closets or other designated areas.

Inventorying and keeping condiments at pre-established amounts to reduce waste and stay within budgeting funds. Maintaining stock of patient menus on assigned floors.

Utilizing resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

Making recommendations to improve patient satisfaction scores through excellent room service advocacy. Assisting management in developing as well as implementing process improvements for increasing patient satisfaction.

Seeking opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensuring own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business / job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications :

Education : High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include : GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

Work Experience : One year of customer service or hospitality experience preferred.

License / Certification :

Licenses and Certifications - Required : Food Handlers Permit Accredited food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.

Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.

Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.

Must possess good communication skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Demonstrates good judgment in professional decision-making.

Demonstrates skills and ability to obtain as well as analyze pertinent information in order to make informed decisions

Demonstrates active listening skills giving full attention to what other people are saying.

Demonstrates the skills and ability to take appropriate follow up action to ensure that the workload is processed and identified discrepancies are resolved within established time frames.

Demonstrates good judgment in professional decision-making

Supplemental Requirements :

Work Attire :

Uniform Yes

Scrubs No

Business professional No

Other (department approved) Yes

On-Call : On Call

• No

Travel :

May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No

May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile :

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital opened in December 2000 to serve the comprehensive health care needs of the growing community in Northwest Houston. The 310 bed hospital has 23 operating rooms, and more than 2,100 employees. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is Northwest Houston's regional leader in robotic minimally-invasive surgeries and specializes in cardiology and cardiovascular services, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, and comprehensive cancer services. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has a Breast Care Center, Cancer Center, Imaging Center, Infusion Center, Sleep Center, Surgical Weight Loss Center and operates the largest Childbirth Center in the greater Northwest Houston area.