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Patient Dining Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : Park West Medical - 9352 Park West Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37923. Note: online applications accepted only.

Sentara

Patient Dining Associate

Virginia Beach, VA

$10K/mo

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is hiring a Full-time, Rotating Shift, Patient Dining Associate. Work Full-time, Rotating 12-hour shifts, and rotating weekends. (Up to $1,500 Sign-on Bonus ...

Sentara Healthcare

Patient Dining Associate

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is hiring a Full-time, Rotating Shift, Patient Dining Associate. Work Full-time, Rotating 12-hour shifts, and rotating weekends. (Up to 1,500 Sign-on Bonus for ...

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

De Kalb, MS · On-site

$17/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : Stennis Regional - 14365 Highway 16 West, De Kalb, MS 39328. Note: online applications accepted only.

Sentara

Patient Dining Associate

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is hiring a Full-time, Rotating Shift, Patient Dining Associate. Work Full-time, Rotating 12-hour shifts, and rotating weekends. (Up to 1,500 Sign-on Bonus for ...

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Jasper, AL · On-site

$16/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : Walker Baptist - 3400 Highway 78 East, Jasper, AL 35501. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

BJC HealthCare

Patient Dining Associate

Saint Peters, MO · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

As a Patient Dining Associate, you'll provide a reassuring presence while taking patient orders/preparing trays and delivering patient meals. Join us in our mission to provide quality care and make a ...

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$19/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : UF Shands Ganiesville - 1600 Southwest Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610. Note: online applications accepted ...

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Kenner, LA · On-site

$15/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : Oschner Medical Center - 180 West Esplanade Avenue, Kenner, LA 70065. Note: online applications accepted only.

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Louisville, KY · On-site

$18/hr

Culinary Services Group is hiring immediately for a full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE position. * Location : Central State Hospital - 10510 LaGrange Road, Louisville, KY 40223. * Schedule ...

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Oxford, MS · On-site

$15/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full and part time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : BMHCC NM/Oxford - 2301 South Lamar Boulevard, Oxford, MS 38655. Note: online applications accepted ...

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Abilene, TX · On-site

$17.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : Hendrick Medical Center - 1900 Pine Street, Abilene, TX 79601. Note: online applications accepted only.

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Saint Johns, FL · On-site

$18.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full and part time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : UFHealth Durbin - 100 Flagler Health Way Saint Johns, FL 32259. Note: online applications accepted ...

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Slidell, LA · On-site

$15/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE position. * Location : Slidell East SMH Ochsner - 100 Medical Center Drive, Slidell, LA 70461. Note: online applications accepted ...

Compass Group

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE position. * Location : MSK-KOCH INPATIENT - 530 East 74st, New York, NY 10021. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

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Patient Dining Associate information

See salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do patient dining associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient dining associate in the United States is $18.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the easiest healthcare job to get into?

A patient dining associate is generally an entry-level healthcare role that requires minimal formal education and training, often involving on-the-job instruction. These positions typically focus on assisting patients with meals and may require basic communication skills and a compassionate attitude, making them accessible for many job seekers entering healthcare.

What job pays you to eat food?

A Patient Dining Associate is a job where employees are responsible for delivering and sometimes tasting meals to ensure quality in a healthcare setting. While they do handle food, they are not paid specifically to eat but to serve and assist with patient meals, often requiring knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.

What are Patient Dining Associates?

Patient Dining Associates are healthcare support professionals responsible for ensuring that patients receive appropriate meals during their hospital stay. They work closely with patients to take meal orders, accommodate dietary restrictions, deliver trays, and help resolve any food service issues. Their role is essential for patient satisfaction and nutritional care, as they act as a liaison between patients, dietary staff, and healthcare providers. Patient Dining Associates must be attentive, compassionate, and knowledgeable about food safety and hospital protocols.

How does a Patient Dining Associate collaborate with clinical staff to meet patients’ dietary needs?

Patient Dining Associates work closely with nurses and dietitians to ensure that meals align with each patient's nutritional requirements and medical restrictions. They communicate regularly with clinical staff to receive updates on patients’ diets, allergies, or changes in medical status. This collaboration helps provide safe, tailored meal service and allows the associate to address any patient concerns or requests efficiently. Good communication and teamwork are essential in this role to support patient health and satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Patient Dining Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Dining Associate, you need a basic knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and dietary restrictions, often backed by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food service equipment, hospital meal tracking systems, and compliance with health regulations is typically required. Excellent customer service, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you interact effectively with patients and healthcare staff. These abilities are vital to ensure patients receive safe, nutritious meals that meet their medical needs and enhance overall satisfaction.

What is the difference between Patient Dining Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectPatient Dining AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, healthcare facilities, patient care areasRestaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, various food service settings
Job FocusAssisting patients with meals, ensuring dietary needs are metPreparing, serving, and cleaning up food in food service settings

The main difference between a Patient Dining Associate and a Food Service Worker lies in their work environment and focus. Patient Dining Associates specifically serve and assist patients in healthcare settings, ensuring dietary restrictions are followed. Food Service Workers generally work in broader food service environments like restaurants or cafeterias, focusing on food preparation and service. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in their daily responsibilities and patient interaction.

Do you wear scrubs as a dietary aide?

Patient Dining Associates typically wear scrubs or uniforms appropriate for a healthcare environment to maintain hygiene and professionalism. The specific attire may vary by facility, but scrubs are common for staff working in patient care areas. Proper attire helps ensure cleanliness and safety in food service within healthcare settings.

What tasks are patient dining associates responsible for that lead to overall patient satisfaction?

Patient dining associates are responsible for delivering meals to patients, ensuring orders are accurate and timely, and maintaining cleanliness in dining areas. Their attentive service and adherence to dietary restrictions contribute to positive patient experiences and satisfaction.
More about Patient Dining Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Patient Dining Associate jobs? Cities with the most Patient Dining Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Dining jobs? The most popular types of Patient Dining jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Patient Dining Associate jobs? The top employers for Patient Dining Associate jobs are:
What states have the most Patient Dining Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Patient Dining Associate jobs include:
Patient Dining Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Dining Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,427 per year, or $19 per hour.

Patient Dining Associate (Part-Time)

Terrebonne General Health System

Houma, LA • On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Terrebonne General Health System rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Varied (United States of America)
Department:
100 - 805000 TG - Food & Nutrition Services
Position Description:
The Patient Dining Associate is responsible for providing patient meal service, including menu selection, tray delivery/pickup, and special dietary needs. This position will communicate patient food concerns to Food & Nutrition Services and coordinates with Nursing on nutrition requirements. The Patient Dining Associate will ensure accuracy of physician-ordered diets and adheres to dietary restrictions while also maintaining kitchen inventory, stocks nourishments, and supports after-hours needs. This role is responsible for delivering quality service reflected in patient satisfaction and demonstrates professionalism and strong customer service.
Qualifications:
1. High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
2. One-year experience in the restaurant industry is desirable.

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