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Patient Nutrition Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UW Health

Patient Nutrition Assistant - Part Time

Madison, WI · On-site

$18.50 - $21.21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who has the drive to create a unique dining experience for adult and pediatric patients. We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who: * Prioritizes ...

UW Health

Patient Nutrition Assistant - Part Time

Madison, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who has the drive to create a unique dining experience for adult and pediatric patients. We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who: * Prioritizes ...

UW Health

Patient Nutrition Assistant - Part Time

Madison, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who has the drive to create a unique dining experience for adult and pediatric patients. We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who: * Prioritizes ...

UWHealth

Patient Nutrition Assistant - Part Time

Madison, WI

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who has the drive to create a unique dining experience for adult and pediatric patients. We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who: * Prioritizes ...

UW Health

Patient Nutrition Assistant - Full time

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who has the drive to create a unique dining experience for adult and pediatric patients. We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who: * Prioritizes ...

UWHealth

Patient Nutrition Assistant - Full time

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who has the drive to create a unique dining experience for adult and pediatric patients. We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who: * Prioritizes ...

UW Health

Patient Nutrition Assistant - Full time

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who has the drive to create a unique dining experience for adult and pediatric patients. We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who: * Prioritizes ...

UW Health

Patient Nutrition Assistant - Full time

Madison, WI · On-site

$18.50 - $21.21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who has the drive to create a unique dining experience for adult and pediatric patients. We are seeking a Patient Nutrition Assistant who: * Prioritizes ...

UW Health

Patient Nutrition Assistant

Rockford, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our respect for people shines through patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member ...

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All JobsHealthcare JobsNutrition JobsDietary Aide JobsPatient Nutrition Assistant Jobs

Patient Nutrition Assistant information

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$11

$21

$61

How much do patient nutrition assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient nutrition assistant in the United States is $21.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient nutrition assistant?

Patient Nutrition Assistants are healthcare support professionals who help ensure patients receive meals that meet their dietary needs and preferences while following medical or nutritional guidelines set by healthcare providers. They typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities, collaborating with dietitians, nurses, and kitchen staff. Their responsibilities include taking meal orders, delivering food trays, addressing patient dietary concerns, and sometimes assisting with menu planning to accommodate special diets. Their role is essential for patient health, comfort, and recovery, as proper nutrition is a key part of medical care.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a patient nutrition assistant?

To thrive as a Patient Nutrition Assistant, you need knowledge of basic nutrition, food safety, and experience in food service, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with dietary management software, tray line systems, and compliance with food handling regulations is typical. Strong communication, attention to detail, and empathy help you accurately address patient dietary needs and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring patients receive safe, appropriate meals that support their health and recovery.

What are common challenges faced by patient nutrition assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Patient Nutrition Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing dietary restrictions with patient preferences, managing high volumes of meal orders, and ensuring clear communication with both patients and clinical staff. To address these, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, be attentive to detail, and stay up to date on hospital dietary guidelines. Effective teamwork and proactive communication with dietitians and nursing staff can also help resolve issues quickly and ensure patients receive appropriate and enjoyable meals.

What is the difference between Patient Nutrition Assistant vs Diet Aide?

AspectPatient Nutrition AssistantDiet Aide
CertificationsTypically requires a nutrition-related certification or trainingMay require basic food service or dietary aide certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, nursing homes, food service settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with patient meal planning, monitoring intake, supporting diet ordersPreparing and serving meals, assisting with food service tasks

The Patient Nutrition Assistant primarily focuses on supporting patient-specific dietary needs and monitoring intake within healthcare settings, often requiring specialized nutrition knowledge. In contrast, the Diet Aide typically handles food preparation and service tasks in various food service environments. While both roles involve working in healthcare or food service settings, the Patient Nutrition Assistant has a more clinical focus on patient care related to nutrition.

What do you need to become a patient nutrition assistant?

To become a patient nutrition assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require certification in nutrition or food service. Relevant skills include communication, basic knowledge of nutrition, and the ability to follow dietary plans. Some positions may also require experience in healthcare or food preparation environments.
More about Patient Nutrition Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Patient Nutrition Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Patient Nutrition Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Patient Nutrition Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Patient Nutrition Assistant jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Patient Nutrition Assistant jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Patient Nutrition Assistant jobs are:

Patient Nutrition Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Nutrition Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,686 per year, or $22 per hour.

Patient Nutrition Assistant

Mercy Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Patient Nutrition Assistant

This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by serving fresh, flavorful, nutritious food in a caring manner to patients, families, and staff. The Patient Nutrition Assistant is responsible for patient menu processes – which includes delivering meals and collecting trays, assisting patients with menu selections and correcting menus per diet ordered by physician and food preferences. Demonstrates excellent customer service relationships with external and internal customers.

Job Duties
  • Provides exceptional customer care through room service.
  • Maintains effective communication.
  • Manages customer concerns in a timely and caring manner utilizing service recovery and commitment to Service Excellence.
  • Practices safe food handling and maintains a clean and orderly work area throughout shift.
  • Maintains knowledge of Nutrition Services software, Electronic Medical Record, and Point of Sale system.
  • Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Must have knowledge of nutrition and special diets.
  • Must be able to make appropriate decisions utilizing dietary guidelines for Patient's diet orders.
  • Basic proficiency in operation of computer, calculator, fax machine, filing systems, telephone systems and medical terminology.
  • Quality customer service.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational skills, effective written and verbal communication.
  • Demonstrates competency in specific skills as identified in the position core competency and annual competency.
Professional Experience
  • One or more years of health care experience preferred.
Education
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Licensure, Certification, Registration
  • N/A
Physical Requirements

Light: Exert 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 10 lbs. of force frequently.

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Mercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.

Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

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