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Patient Dining Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sentara Healthcare

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 ...

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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Patient Dining Associate information

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$12

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How much do patient dining associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Dining jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Patient Dining jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Patient Dining Associate jobs in Virginia?

For Patient Dining Associate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Patient Dining Associate jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Patient Dining Associate jobs in Virginia are:

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
Infographic showing various Patient Dining Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,089 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Patient Dining Associate

Sentara Healthcare

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Sentara Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 413 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

532nd of 895 rated healthcare providers

Job description

City/State
Virginia Beach, VA
Work Shift
Rotating
Overview:
Sentara is hiring a Patient Dining Associate for Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, in Virginia Beach.
Up to 1,500 Sign On Bonus offered for qualified candidates!
Overview
Job Profile Summary
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.
Certification/Licensure
  • None

Experience
  • Prior restaurant/waitress/waiter/server experience preferred
  • Prior food serving/dining service experience preferred

Keywords: Talroo - Food service. Food service. Patient Dining Associate. Patient Dining. Catering Associate. Food Service Worker. Food service. Dining. Food Handler. Nutrition. Food. Wait staff. Waitress. Waiter. Cafe. Cafeteria. Dietary.
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 Princess Anne Hospital is a 174-bed acute care hospital that provides quality clinical outcomes, experienced physicians, advanced technology, and a patient-centered approach to care in southern Virginia Beach, as well as neighboring Chesapeake and Northeastern North Carolina communities.
As a recognized accredited Primary Stroke Center, and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, the hospital specializes in orthopedic and spine care, heart, vascular, advanced imaging, gynecological, comprehensive breast care services, and family maternity with a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit. Our facility also is home to Virginia's only Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program.
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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