The Paid Dining Assistant, also called a nutrition assistant, may work in a nursing home or other facility, with a wide range of residents. They are considered single task workers, who assist residents without complicated feeding problems. They work under the supervision of a licensed registered or practical nurse who is on duty, and physically present in the nursing home. 

  

Paid Dining Assistants do not perform nursing or nursing-related services. They are utilized only to supplement and not to substitute for licensed register and practical nurses or nurse aides.  

  

A Paid Dining Assistant may:  

·         Promote nutrition.

·         Assist qualified residents with eating and drinking.

·         Utilize proper feeding techniques.

·         Understand possible barriers and age-related changes of residents.

·         Recognize changes in residents and how and to whom they should be reported.

·         Be familiar with emergency policies and procedures.

·         Enhance the dining experience and overall quality of life of residents.

  

Paid Dining Assistant Course Information 

The Paid Dining Assistant course is a minimum of 8 hours in length and covers instruction and competency assessment in the following content areas:  

·         Feeding techniques 

·         Assistance with feeding and hydration 

·         Communication and interpersonal skills 

·         Appropriate responses to resident behavior 

·         Safety and emergency procedures 

·         Infection control 

·         Resident's rights 

·         Recognizing changes in residents that are inconsistent with their normal behavior and the importance of reporting these changes to the supervisory nurse. 

·         Special needs of residents in relation to feeding who may have additional medical conditions  

·         Abuse and neglect information  

  

Individuals completing the Paid Dining Assistant course must demonstrate both written and performed competency of tasks and duties required. Minimally participants are evaluated on the skills of hand washing, removing disposable gloves, abdominal thrust maneuver, assisting the dependent resident, dining experience preparation. Competency assessment is performed by a Registered Nurse (RN). 

  

Prerequisites

·         Minimum age of 16 years.

·         Able to speak, read, write and understand English.

·         Be aware of the eligibility requirements for placement on the NE Paid Dining Assistant registry and/or for employment. Persons with a criminal record, substance abuse, and or health problems that would interfere with safe practices may be ineligible for placement on the state registry or for employment.

·         Students need to be in good physical health and be able to lift 50 pounds.

 

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1.      Demonstrate caring, supportive and safe feeding of clients.

2.      Understand the scope of practice of a paid dining assistant and how they are an important part of the health care team.

3.      Practice non-specialized tasks related to the feeding and comfort of residents.

4.      Demonstrate effective, professional communication.

 

Requirements for Successful Course Completion

1.      Attendance at every class session, for entire scheduled time.

The State of NE Dept. of Health and Human Services requires a minimum number of classroom, and lab hours for each participant. The course is an intensive study in theory and feeding skills. It is required that a student be in attendance to be successful in meeting these competencies.

2.      Grade of 72% or better on written multiple choice examination.

3.      Grade of pass (72% or better) on all required patient feeding skills demonstrated in class, lab and at time of competency assessment.

 

Course Fee 

The course fee is $100.00 per person and is due at time of registration. The fee includes competency assessment, but does not include course book. Classroom copies of the textbook are provided during class.  

  

Paid Dining Assistant Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus (PDF format)

 

Registration Information

The following options are available: Phone: Click here for information to obtain a schedule or register over the phone with a credit card. In-Person: Click here for information to obtain a schedule or register in-person with a credit card. On-line: Click here for information on upcoming courses and to register with a credit card.