at Mercycare
In October 2013, I accepted a position with Sodexo as a dietetic technician at Mercycare a long term care and rehabilitation facility in Hornell, NY. Within six months I passed the Dietetic Technician Registration exam and shortly after that obtained my New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN). I also had the opportunity to work in the acute care setting of St. James Mercy Hospital per diem as a dietetic technician.
Clinical
I monitored significant changes in weight status, skin integrity, appetite, cognitive status, and recommended appropriate nutrition interventions to resolve issues.
Documented initial, quarterly, and annual assessments in the electronic medical record. Completed further monthly and follow-up assessments as clinically and nutritionally indicated. Maintained compliance with MDS and Medicare regulations.
Initiated and updated nutrition care plans. Participated in care conferences with interdisciplinary team members, residents, and residents' family members.
Provided nutrition and therapeutic diet education for rehab patients and long term care residents.
Performed weekly test tray audits to ensure food quality and safety. Performed Quality Management System (QMS) audits of food service and clinical nutrition departments.
Documented initial, quarterly, and annual assessments in the electronic medical record. Completed further monthly and follow-up assessments as clinically and nutritionally indicated. Maintained compliance with MDS and Medicare regulations.
Initiated and updated nutrition care plans. Participated in care conferences with interdisciplinary team members, residents, and residents' family members.
Provided nutrition and therapeutic diet education for rehab patients and long term care residents.
Performed weekly test tray audits to ensure food quality and safety. Performed Quality Management System (QMS) audits of food service and clinical nutrition departments.
One of my favorite aspects of my job and working for Sodexo was the Mindful employee wellness program! The Registered Dietitian and I shared the responsibility of planning and delivering Mindful events for the employees of Mercycare.
We decided to call our program "Mindful Monday" and did everything from food demonstrations to marketing apps and programs to encourage daily physical activity among employees.
I enjoyed using and strengthening my public speaking and nutrition education skills. Mindful was just one more way I helped enhance the value of the services that Sodexo provided to the residents and employees of Mercycare and the surrounding community.
We decided to call our program "Mindful Monday" and did everything from food demonstrations to marketing apps and programs to encourage daily physical activity among employees.
I enjoyed using and strengthening my public speaking and nutrition education skills. Mindful was just one more way I helped enhance the value of the services that Sodexo provided to the residents and employees of Mercycare and the surrounding community.
Providing a taste test of carrots, cucumbers, celery and hummus as an example of a healthy snack during a monthly "Mindful Monday" event for the employees of Mercycare.
Each month the registered dietitian and I selected a nutrition or other health topic to highlight on the bulletin board outside of the employee cafeteria for the employees at Mercycare.
Christmas trees decorated with healthy habit ideas
for the holidays.
for the holidays.
MATCH
Once a month I facilitated a nutrition education group for in-patients of The Mercycare Addiction Treatment Center of Hornell (MATCH). Facilitating this group was a rewarding challenge that raised my interest in the role nutrition plays in behavioral health and sobriety.
Pictured above, for National Nutrition Month in March 2015 special event, I demonstrated how to make a smoothie for outpatient clients of MATCH. I also discussed with clients the importance of eating healthy balanced meals for sobriety.
