JOB PURPOSE OR MISSION: Liaison between nursing units and the Nutritional Care Department regarding patient menus, Clinical Nutrition Service, diet changes and general nutritional care service. Develops menu tallies for food production, NPO patients, supplements, nourishments and nutritional care floor supplies; complete daily meal log. Performs dutiesfor the age population served, as defined in the department’s scope of service.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS include, but are not limited to:

1. Functions as liaison between nursing units and Nutritional Care.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Receives food orders, by phone, computer or other means.
• Completes daily meal log accurately and within established timeframes.
• Works closely with nursing units to ensure patient orders are received and processed effectively.
• Utilizes knowledge of patient needs to determine when follow-up is needed from nursing to clarify or complete orders.

2. Performs Hostess duties as needed.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Visits all assigned patients for menu selection, and offers accepted alternate food selections requested.
• Reviews patients’ files, and records changes to assure efficient timing of service.
• Completes patient menu selection assignment within designated time frame.
• Compiles menu information for use by kitchen personnel in food preparation.
• Notifies Clinical Nutritionist of any patient concerns.
• Monitors and delivers nourishments to nursing units, ensuring that nourishments are properly labeled and stock levels are maintained.
• Serves meal trays to patients according to rules of etiquette and company policy.
• Records percentage of food eaten by patient on the chart 100% of the time.

3. Sets up tray line and prepares patient trays in accordance with established schedule and procedures.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Sets up tray line according to established procedures, and ensure proper temperatures of food under refrigeration and in steam tables.
• Places appropriate food on trays according to menu and medical nutrition requirements 100% of the time.
• Serves food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Consistently checks completed trays for appearance and arrangement.

4. Maintains working area according to established infection control/safety policies.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Maintains a safe and sanitary work area at all times.
• Utilizes kitchen equipment appropriately and safely.
• Follows proper procedures and uses aseptic techniques for isolation patients.
• Observes sanitation procedures before handling utensils and food items.

5. Performs all other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Previous food service experience performing Hostess duties.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

HIPAA REQUIREMENTS:

Maintains knowledge of and adherence to all applicable HIPAA regulations appropriate to Job Position including but not limited to: paper medical records with limit to job function.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

Maintains knowledge of and adherence to all applicable safety practices appropriate to Job Position including but not limited to: incident reporting, handling wastes, sharps and linens, PPE, hand washing, exposure control plans, environmental rounds to ensure safety, receives orders for patients, and clinical alarms for all age groups.