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Patient Dining Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Palomar Health

Patient Dining Associate

Escondido, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Responsible for patient food service on assigned units, e.g., menu selections, tray assembly, tray delivery and pick up, special requests and needs, restocking, and in-between meal food delivery.

Palomar Health

Patient Dining Associate

Escondido, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Responsible for patient food service on assigned units, e.g., menu selections, tray assembly, tray delivery and pick up, special requests and needs, restocking, and in-between meal food delivery.

Palomar Health

Patient Dining Associate

Escondido, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Responsible for patient food service on assigned units, e.g., menu selections, tray assembly, tray delivery and pick up, special requests and needs, restocking, and in-between meal food delivery.

Palomar Health

Patient Dining Associate

Escondido, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Responsible for patient food service on assigned units, e.g., menu selections, tray assembly, tray delivery and pick up, special requests and needs, restocking, and in-between meal food delivery.

Palomar Health

Patient Dining Associate

Escondido, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Responsible for patient food service on assigned units, e.g., menu selections, tray assembly, tray delivery and pick up, special requests and needs, restocking, and in-between meal food delivery.

Palomar Health

Patient Dining Associate

Escondido, CA

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Responsible for patient food service on assigned units, e.g., menu selections, tray assembly, tray delivery and pick up, special requests and needs, restocking, and in-between meal food delivery.

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Patient Dining information

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How much do patient dining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient dining in California is $16.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient dining?

A Patient Dining job involves delivering meals to hospital patients based on their dietary needs and preferences. Responsibilities include taking meal orders, ensuring food safety, and assisting patients with their dining experience. Workers collaborate with dietitians, nurses, and kitchen staff to ensure patients receive appropriate nutrition. Excellent customer service and attention to detail are essential in this role.

What does a patient dining do?

A typical day for Patient Dining staff involves preparing and delivering patient meals according to individualized dietary restrictions, collaborating closely with dietitians, nurses, and other healthcare team members. You would spend time ensuring food trays are accurate, assisting patients with menu selections, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety. The work environment is typically fast-paced and requires a strong focus on customer service and attention to detail. This role offers valuable experience in healthcare and food service and can lead to advancement opportunities in supervisory or management positions within hospital nutrition services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the patient dining position, and why are they important?

Patient Dining team members need a solid understanding of food safety, nutrition basics, and hospital protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with dietary management software and experience following special diet orders are typically required, along with food handler certification in some facilities. Outstanding attention to detail, patience, and strong communication skills help ensure patient satisfaction and safety. These capabilities are crucial for accurately meeting unique dietary needs and contributing positively to the patient care experience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patient Dining jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Dining job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,315 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Patient Dining Associate

Palomar Health

Escondido, CA

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Palomar Health rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Posting Date: 5/15/2026
Internal Closing Date: 5/21/2026
* Internal candidates must apply by midnight on the Closing Date in order to have bidding rights.
Performs a variety of duties involved with providing patient menu selection, menu editing, and passing patient trays. Responsible for patient food service on assigned units, e.g., menu selections, tray assembly, tray delivery and pick up, special requests and needs, restocking, and in-between meal food delivery. Complies with dietary restrictions on special, modified diets to ensure optimal food preferences are met within guidelines of diet order limitations. Offers alternatives to menu as allowed on prescribed diet in accordance with food allergies and sensitivities, cultural, ethnic and religious preferences, when patient inquires or needs additional selections. Ensures meal orders are placed in compliance to MD orders. Cleans assigned areas following established practices and procedures for quality, safety and infection control. Limited cash handling (collect money to pay for guest meals, celebration meals etc).
* Assembles trays according to patients menu on tray tickets in a timely and accurate manner.
* Interacts with Nursing to ensure patients' diet prescriptions are accurate, and patients' food needs are met.
* Completes catering rounds after passing trays to inquire if patient needs anything else.
* Retrieves trays from patients' rooms shortly after completing round.
* Maintains accurate and current information for each patient on assigned unit(s).
* Assists dietitian with monitoring of patients who are NPO, on liquid diets or have a calorie count ordered.
* Communicates any patient related problems/concerns to appropriate personnel, in a timely manner following departmental procedures.
* Contributes to patient satisfaction goals by providing quality service.
* Follows HACCP guidelines when assembling and distributing food supplies to ensure quality and safety of food supply.
* Completes all daily, weekly or monthly reports as outlined in the corporate policies and procedures on a timely basis meeting all prescribed deadlines.
* Responds to utility failures following department guidelines.
* Participates and attends departmental meetings and staff development programs, as appropriate.
* Exhibits pleasant and cheerful demeanor and maintains a helpful attitude towards employees, physicians, patients, and visitors.
Speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, Powerpoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.Job Requirements
Minimum Education: High School Diploma and/or combination of education and experiencePreferred Education: Associate's Degree, certification as dietary manager, or equivalentMinimum Experience: 6 months food service experience, preferably diet office, healthcare or institutional food servicePreferred Experience: 1 - 2 years of customer service and 1 - 2 years diet office or healthcare food serviceRequired Certification: Valid food handler card issued by a San Diego county authorized food handler training schoolPreferred Certification: Not ApplicableRequired License: Not ApplicablePreferred License: Valid Driver's LicenseEmployment Type: Part-Time

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