Nutritional Assistant

An exciting opportunity has arisen on Ward 6 at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH). Ward 6 is a 19 bed; Acute Elderly Admissions Ward and we require a Nutritional Assistant to join our team. The aim of this role is to ensure our patient's nutritional needs are met during their time in hospital. Duties are designated by the nurse in charge and will involve assisting and supervising with feeding patients, meal ordering and preparing drinks and snacks. You will be expected to ensure documentation such as food diaries and fluid balance charts are completed accurately. You will be responsible for ensuring MUST assessments are completed for all patients and other specified tasks to meet individual patient needs. The post holder will be required to monitor quality standards, report any deficiencies and take appropriate action. You should be able to communicate effectively with patients and the multidisciplinary team.

Duties involved are general nutrition duties for the ward as designated by the Ward Manager, Sister, or nurse in charge. The main element of the role is to assist and supervise with feeding patients and preparing drinks and snacks. You will be expected to ensure documentation such as food diaries and fluid balance charts are completed accurately. You will be responsible for ensuring MUST assessments are completed and other specified tasks to meet individual patient needs.

To assist the qualified nursing staff in providing physical nutritional support for patients, including assisting with mealtimes and promoting additional nutritional snacks.

To assist patients with ordering their meals and feeding patients where appropriate.

To audit all nutritional interventions and report on nutritional intake to nursing staff.

To keep an updated record of additional nutritional support provided.

To monitor stock levels of nutritional supplements and snacks and order appropriately.

To maintain high clinical standards.

To promote nutrition in the ward.