Week 2: Food Service Management in Long-Term Care
My first week on site has been an awesome learning experience. It reaffirms my passion for a career in dietetics.
I started my first rotation in food service management at a small long-term care facility just outside of Denver. My goal is to learn the ins and outs of a healthcare facility kitchen and develop the competencies and confidence to manage in the industry. Luckily, I have some amazing mentors to learn from. Both the facility Dietitian and Dietary Manager have really taken me under their wing.
Source: Senior Transition Guide
In the first week, I have:
- participated in a facility orientation
- reviewed HACCP guidelines in heating, cooling, and storing procedures
- assisted in inventory ordering and receiving
- prepared a variety of mechanical soft and pureed meals
- conducted kitchen and test tray audits
- participated in a new-hire interview
- sat in on an in-service training by the ombudsman
The highlight of the week was our State Survey. This is when the state health department occupies the building to asses for compliance with safety and health regulations. Essentially, the facility goes on ‘lock down’ while the surveyors audit the building meticulously – interviewing residents and employees, reviewing documents, and “pulling up the rugs.” It was intense, to say the least, but a great learning experience for me!
Until next week,
S
