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Patient Dining Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patient Dining Associate

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Sentara Obici Hospital is hiring a Patient Dining Associate The Patient Dining Associate is responsible for patient meal service food on assigned units. Communicates patient food issues/concerns and ...

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 ...

* 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 ...

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 ...

* 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 ...

* We are hiring immediately for a Full Time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE position. * Location : LCMC-EAST JEFFERSON, 4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, LA 70006 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

* 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.

* We are hiring immediately for full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : Westchester Medical Center - 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY 10595. Note: online applications accepted only.

* 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 ...

* 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.

* 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 ...

* We have openings for part-time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATES (DIETARY AIDE) positions. * Location : Cleveland Clinic - Mentor - 8300 Norton Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060. Note: online applications accepted ...

* We have openings for part-time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATES (DIETARY AIDE) positions. * Location : Cleveland Clinic - Mentor - 8300 Norton Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060. Note: online applications accepted ...

* We are hiring immediately for full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : Mayo Clinic - 1501 Thompson Street, Bloomer, WI 54724. Note: Online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

* We are hiring immediately for part time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : Saint Mary's Hospital - 1601 West Saint Mary's Road, Tucson, AZ 85745. Note: online applications accepted only.

* We have openings for part-time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATES (DIETARY AIDE) positions. * Location : Cleveland Clinic - Mentor - 8300 Norton Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060. Note: online applications accepted ...

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE positions. * Location : Mayo Clinic - 1025 Marsh Street, Mankato, MN 56001. Note: online applications accepted only.

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Patient Dining Associate information

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$12

$18

$24

How much do patient dining associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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 a patient dining associate?

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.

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.

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 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.

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

Patient dining associates are responsible for delivering and serving meals to patients, ensuring dietary restrictions are followed, and maintaining cleanliness in dining areas. Their attentive service and timely delivery contribute to patient comfort and satisfaction. Good communication skills and adherence to safety protocols are essential in this role.
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Infographic showing various Patient Dining Associate job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,427 per year, or $19 per hour.

Patient Dining Associate

Elizabeth City, NC • On-site

Sentara Healthcare
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Serve patient meals on assigned units and ensure timely delivery.

  • Communicate patient food issues, concerns, and dietary needs to Food & Nutrition Services and Nursing.

  • Assist dietitians with monitoring patients on special diets and record food intake for intake analysis.


Sentara Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 417 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

City/State
Elizabeth City, NC
Work Shift
Rotating
Overview:
Sentara Albemarle Medical Center is hiring a Patient Dining Associate. As a Patient Dining Associate, YOU make a big difference in a patient's stay in the hospital!
Full-time, Rotating 12-hour shifts, every other weekend, (Cafeteria is open 5:30am-7:30pm)
Education:
HS - High School Grad or Equivalent - Experience in lieu of degree/diploma will be accepted.
Experience:
Customer Service experience required
Patient Dining Associates are responsible for patient meal service food on assigned units. Communicates patient food issues/concerns and needs to Food & Nutrition Services, and interacts with Nursing in regards to patient nutrition needs or requirements. Assist dietitian with monitoring of patients on NPO, clear liquid and full liquid diets and records food intake for patients on intake analysis. React accurately and effectively to all changes to ensure efficient timing of services and accuracy of physician's ordered modified diets. Familiar with dietary restrictions on special, modified diets to ensure optimal patient care and satisfaction. Responsible for patient satisfaction on assigned units.
Keywords: Dining, Food Service, Nutritional Services, Nutrition, Cafeteria, Dining Room, Talroo-Food Service
Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career
Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to 10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k/403B with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance - 5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Colleagues have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met.
Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, located in Elizabeth City, NC, serves northeastern North Carolina with a caring team of approximately 650 employees and 150 medical providers. We think of each other as family, with those bonds extending into our close-knit community and serving as the foundation for our patient care. Our 182-bed facility features 25 specialties including emergency, maternity, orthopedics, medical, and surgical care in addition to our outpatient laboratory, imaging, and comprehensive breast services. In 2022, Sentara broke ground on a new campus, a state-of-the-art 88-bed hospital to replace the current 60-year-old facility on North Road Street. The 135-acre campus, coming out of the ground at Halstead Boulevard Extended and Thunder Road, will be known as the Sentara Albemarle Regional Health Campus. It is projected to cost about 200 million, up from the original estimate of 158 million, due to sharp spikes in costs for building materials and medical equipment.
Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.
In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.
For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

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