Job Information
Northern Light Health Clinical Nutrition Aide in Presque Isle, Maine
Northern Light A.R. Gould
Department: Food and Nutrition Services
Position is located:Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital
Work Type: Full Time
Hours Per Week:40.00
Work Schedule: Variable
Summary:
The Nutrition Aide ensures that hospital patients receive meals and snacks in compliance with the diet orders written by the physician, taking into account patient’s food preferences as well as any food allergies/intolerances.
Responsibilities:
Visits patients to answer any questions that they may have as well as explain the Room Service menu and their diet restrictions.
Interviews patient in person or by phone to determine any food preferences or food allergies/intolerances the patient may have.
A thorough set of questions is asked to each patient to determine food allergies/intolerances and the symptoms caused by the allergen.
Comprehensively fills out patient cardex with above information, in addition to their current diet order.
Discusses dietary modifications with patients and Clinical Dietitians.
Manually pre-corrects patient menus when multiple therapeutic diets are ordered, and available printed menus do not meet those criteria.Carefully crosses out any food/beverage items that is not allowed with the diet ordered by the physician.Label reading of nutrition information may be necessary in this step, in addition to collaboration with the Dietitian and review of information in the approved Diet Manual.
Manually pre-corrects patient menus when multiple food allergens are present and carefully crosses out any food allergen on the patient’s menu.
Label reading of ingredient list is crucial in this step, in addition to collaboration with the Dietitian.
Collaborates with the Clinical Dietitian for any food issues with patients/patient requests, as well as with food allergies/intolerances (particularly patients with anaphylactic reactions) and follows the Dietitian’s recommendations.
Takes menu orders from patients and works within their diet restrictions ensuring that no one is overlooked.Reviews each menu for allowed food and portions sizes according to the approved Diet manual.
Collaborates with the cooks to prepare all patient trays (breakfast/lunch/supper): intricately checks all items for correct portion sizes, accuracy, therapeutic diet requirements, food allergies and completeness to comply with the diet ordered, while being safe for patient consumption.
Specifies, prepares, and delivers snacks and nourishments to all appropriate patients at specified times, accounting for diet order, food preferences, and food allergies.
Tallies daily meal census and enters monthly meal count.
Provides quality service to the inpatient population (patient visits/phone calls, requests, etc.)
Demonstrates good clinical judgment, a detail-oriented mindset, and critical thinking as part of all patient care with having patient safety as a priority in regard to therapeutic diet compliance, avoidance of any food allergen and food safety.
Stocks and restocks the patient cooler for items needed during tray line times.
Prepares food-drug interaction cards and brings them to the nursing floors on weekends.
Confirms various information such as diet orders and food allergies in the patient’s electronic medical record.
Utilizes a computerized program to calculate the total calories and protein consumption (calorie count), for a specific amount of time as ordered, for patients that are at nutritional risk.
Provides results from computerized program to Clinical Dietitians for information to be analyzed and shared with the physician.
Other Information:
1.High School diploma or G.E.D. preferred.
2.No experience required but preferred.
3.Requires verbal, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
4.Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
5.Needs to be proficient with computers and have the ability to learn various computer programs.
6.Requires the ability for minimal accurate mathematic skills (addition/subtractions).
Competencies and Skills
Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.
Working Conditions
Lifting, moving and loading less than 20 pounds.
Prolonged periods of sitting.
Prolonged periods of standing.
Prolonged periods of walking.
Position Clinical Nutrition AideLocation Req ID null