Role Overview: Nutrition Care Assistant at WVU Medicine

WVU Medicine is seeking dedicated and compassionate Nutrition Care Assistants to join our team at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. As a Nutrition Care Assistant, you will play a vital role in ensuring our patients receive the nourishment they need during their stay. This position involves direct patient interaction, requiring excellent customer service skills and a commitment to patient safety.

This role is more than just delivering trays; it's about providing a positive and supportive experience for patients during their healing process. You'll be the point of contact for many patients, answering their questions, addressing their concerns, and ensuring their dietary needs are met with precision and care.

A Day in the Life of a Nutrition Care Assistant

Your day as a Nutrition Care Assistant at Ruby Memorial Hospital will be dynamic and patient-focused. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect:

• Morning Rounds: You'll start by visiting patients, especially those marked as 'needs assistance,' to help them select their meals from the menu. You'll need to be knowledgeable about various dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure accurate order taking.
• Order Processing: Using EPIC and VST systems, you’ll process patient meal requests, ensuring all information is correctly entered and transmitted to the kitchen staff.
• Meal Delivery: You’ll deliver meal trays to patients, adhering to strict service guidelines for timeliness and hygiene. This includes hand sanitization, infection control measures, and using two patient identifiers for safety. You'll also use AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You) to communicate effectively with patients.
• Addressing Concerns: If a patient is not properly positioned or appears to need assistance, you will alert the nursing staff. You'll also check trays for missing items and resolve any issues immediately.
• Communication and Collaboration: Throughout the day, you’ll communicate with the tray line and production personnel regarding special patient requests. You'll also collaborate with clinical dietitians to ensure comprehensive patient nutritional care.
• Nutrition Center Maintenance: You'll maintain the cleanliness of nutrition centers in patient care areas, adhering to sanitation, safety, and quality control guidelines.
• Afternoon Tasks: Processing between-meal nourishment orders, handling missed meal reports, and documenting information for calorie counts are also part of your daily responsibilities.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown is a vibrant community with a youthful energy and a strong sense of community. The cost of living is affordable, and the city offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports. Morgantown is also conveniently located near major metropolitan areas like Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., making it easy to access cultural and entertainment opportunities.

Working at WVU Medicine in Morgantown means being part of a healthcare system that is committed to serving the people of West Virginia and beyond. You'll be surrounded by passionate and dedicated colleagues who are making a difference in the lives of others.

Career Path for Nutrition Care Assistants

The Nutrition Care Assistant role is an excellent starting point for a career in healthcare, particularly in the field of nutrition and dietetics. With experience and further education, you can advance to roles such as:

• Certified Dietary Manager: Oversee food service operations and ensure nutritional needs are met.
• Registered Dietitian Technician: Assist registered dietitians in providing medical nutrition therapy.
• Registered Dietitian: Provide comprehensive nutrition assessments and develop individualized meal plans.
• Food Service Supervisor: Manage and coordinate food service activities in a healthcare setting.

WVU Medicine supports employee growth and development through various training programs and tuition reimbursement opportunities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and advance their careers within our organization.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated salary range for a Nutrition Care Assistant at WVU Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia, is $27,000 to $35,000 per year. This range is based on experience, qualifications, and market demand. WVU Medicine also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement Savings: Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Life Insurance: Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on various products and services.
• Wellness Programs: Programs to promote employee health and well-being.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is more than just a workplace; it's a community of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing the best possible care to our patients. We foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. We value our employees and provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and believe that a diverse workforce is essential to providing culturally competent care. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about patient care and have the skills and qualifications we are looking for, we encourage you to apply for the Nutrition Care Assistant position at WVU Medicine. To apply, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top of this page and complete the application in full. Be sure to highlight your customer service skills, your knowledge of dietary restrictions, and your commitment to patient safety.

We look forward to receiving your application and considering you for this exciting opportunity!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the minimum qualifications for this position?

   The minimum qualification is a valid Food Service Worker Permit (FSWP) from the Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD) or the ability to obtain a temporary permit within the first week and a permanent permit within one month of employment.

2. Is a high school diploma required?

   A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required.

3. What are the key responsibilities of a Nutrition Care Assistant?

   Key responsibilities include providing direct patient meal service, obtaining meal selections, delivering and retrieving meal trays, and maintaining cleanliness of nutrition centers.

4. What skills are important for this role?

   Important skills include customer service, knowledge of special diets, ability to use computer systems (EPIC, VST), and communication skills.

5. What is the work environment like at WVU Medicine?

   WVU Medicine fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment with a focus on patient care and employee development.

6. Are there opportunities for career advancement?

   Yes, WVU Medicine offers various training programs and tuition reimbursement opportunities to support employee growth and career advancement.

7. What benefits are offered to employees?

   WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and employee assistance programs.

8. How do I obtain a Food Service Worker Permit?

   You can obtain a Food Service Worker Permit from the Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD). WVU Medicine will provide guidance and support to help you obtain the necessary permit.

9. What is AIDET, and why is it important?

   AIDET stands for Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You. It is a communication framework used to improve patient satisfaction and build trust.

10. What is the dress code for Nutrition Care Assistants?

    The dress code typically involves wearing comfortable and professional attire, following hospital guidelines for hygiene and safety.