Patient Meal Room Service Associate – Part Time

How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Job Summary:

Patient Meal Room Service Associate – Part Time

Represents Patient Meal Room Service to Patients and Nursing team. Reports directly to Nutrition & Food Service management. Key responsibilities include taking ownership of Patient Meal Service for assigned Unit(s) and ensuring a positive Patient experience. Includes introducing Patients to the Patient Meal Room Service program and meal ordering process. Enters meal selections into N&FS software systems (in compliance with therapeutic diets and food allergies). Includes taking Room Service calls and consistently providing customer service in a professional, courteous, and efficient manner. Required to follow all safety guidelines, including, but not limited to: confirming Patient identity by using two Patient identifiers, confirming meal accuracy, and appropriately following infection prevention practices, including when Isolation precautions are in place. Takes ownership of Unit assignment with minimal supervision. Functions as the N&FS liaison between the Patient and the care team, representing the hospital and N&FS dept. in a professional and caring manner. Delivers nutrition supplies to Units as required and follows safety protocols regarding expiration dates. Completes all other job duties as assigned.

• Provide meals to Patients in a professional, courteous, and timely manner. Work with diet-specific menus and introduce Patients to the Patient Meal Room Service program. Take orders for ‘Assist Patients’, deliver meals and collaborate with Nursing on assigned floors. 
• Operate a call center which serves as the communication hub for Patient Meal Room Service. Receive / enter Patient Meal Room Service orders using nutrition software. Assist with daily reporting.

Both positions require exceptional customer service. Focus on accuracy, safety and efficiency are paramount at all times.

Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Ensures the Safety of Patients and Team Members (according to state, county and national regulatory bodies):

• Washes hands frequently and wears gloves appropriately. Performs hand hygiene upon entering and exiting patient rooms.
• Follows infection prevention practices, including personal hygiene expectations (i.e., fingernail length and finish) and reports potential risks.
• Maintains all work areas in a clean and organized manner, free of spills and fall hazards.
• Delivers patient meal trays and verifies patient identity using two patient identifiers.
• Verifies menu selections are accurate and compliant with the patient’s diet order and food allergies.
• Escalates food allergy and diet consistency concerns to N&FS Leadership and/or Clinical Dietitian.
• Promptly reports adverse food reactions.
• Stores food and/or supplies using proper labeling, dating and rotation methods.
• Operates equipment according to all safety guidelines and escalates any unsafe conditions (i.e., frayed electrical cords and out-of-range temperatures.)
• Uses IT equipment appropriately and protects confidential information, including passwords.

Ensures Positive Service Outcomes:

• Follows dept. work schedule (including weekends and holidays) and arrives at the workstation prior to task start time.
• Sets up, maintains, and breaks down workstation according to area requirements.
• Follows written and verbal instructions with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Completes area checklists and forms, as assigned.
• Operates and cares for equipment according to manufacturer’s and area-specific guidelines.
• Assesses patient’s ability to utilize the meal order system and follows up with appropriate staff member if unable to fully participate.
• Assists patients with menu selections as needed, considering food preferences, allergies and other diet information, in a timely manner.
• Enters menu selections in the N&FS software accurately and in a timely manner.
• Reviews and appropriately responds to reports and N&FS orders from the electronic medical record.
• Appropriately utilizes all N&FS software and adapts and learns new systems as new technologies are applied
• Learns and carries ou