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Patient Dining Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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 ...

Sentara

Patient Dining Associate

Newtown, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Sentara Leigh Hospital is hiring a Patient Dining Associate in the Food Services Department This is a full-time, rotating shift position located in Norfolk, VA. (Work 12-hour shifts and every other ...

Sentara

$10K/mo

Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital is hiring a Patient Dining Associate II The Patient Dining Associate II is responsible for coordinating patient meal service on all units of assigned teams, e.g ...

Sentara

Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital is hiring a Patient Dining Associate II The Patient Dining Associate II is responsible for coordinating patient meal service on all units of assigned teams, e.g ...

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All JobsPatient Dining Associate JobsPatient Dining Associate Jobs in Virginia

Patient Dining Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do patient dining associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient dining associate in Virginia is $18.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $20.48 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.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Patient Dining Associate jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Patient Dining Associate job openings:
Patient Dining Associate jobs near you
Patient Dining Associate

Patient Dining Associate

Sentara Healthcare

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Sentara Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 392 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

449th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

City/State
Virginia Beach, VA
Work Shift
Rotating
Overview:
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 qualified candidates)
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.
Experience in Lieu of degree/diploma will be accepted.
Certified Food Service Handler's Card (as required by local Health Department).
The Food Handler Certification is only required in the following facilities: SNGH, SLH, SOH, SCH and SWRMC
Education
  • High School Grad or Equivalent (Preferred)

Certification/Licensure
  • Food Handlers Card - Certification - Food Service Certification (as required by local Health Department).

Experience
  • Previous Customer Service Experience (Preferred)
  • Experience in Lieu of degree/diploma will be accepted.

Keywords: Patient Dining Associate, Catering, Food Service, Server
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
• Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Colleagues may have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, located in Virginia Beach, VA, is home to the region's only Level III Trauma Center. Our 273-bed facility has a long history of commitment to our communities of Virginia Beach, Eastern Shore, and Northeastern North Carolina, offering specialized tertiary services as well as many advanced clinical services. We are located just 15 minutes from VA Beach Town Center and just a few minutes to the Oceanfront.
As a recognized accredited Primary Stroke Center, and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, our hospital specializes in heart, vascular, neuroscience, neurosurgery, orthopedics and spine care, cancer care, advanced imaging, and behavioral health.
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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