Feeding Assistant

Responsibilities

• Provide dining assistance only for residents with no complicated feeding problems.
• Residents are assessed for eligibility by the interdisciplinary team based on the most recent assessment and plan of care.
• Paid feeding assistants must complete a state-approved training course before providing assistance.
• The training covers eight topics including feeding techniques, communication, safety, and infection control.
• A registered dietitian and an RN oversee the training to ensure correct teaching of feeding techniques.
• Paid feeding assistants work under the supervision of an RN or LPN, who monitors adherence to feeding techniques, resident needs, rights, and infection control.
• Their role does not replace nursing staff; they are there to assist during emergencies.
• They report resident intake and changes in eating patterns to the RN and RD.
• The administrative office maintains records of training completion and staff usage.
• Staff who complete the training may feed residents, but this does not replace nursing staff.

Requirements

Complicated feeding problems, such as difficulty swallowing, recurrent lung aspirations, or tube or parenteral IV feedings, are excluded from the program.

Qualifications

• Successfully complete a state-approved training course covering eight topics including feeding techniques, communication, safety, and infection control.
• Work under the supervision of an RN or LPN.
• Report resident intake and changes in eating patterns to the RN and RD.
• Maintain records of training completion and staff usage.

Skills

• Feeding techniques
• Assistance with feeding and hydration
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Appropriate responses to resident behavior
• Safety and emergency procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver
• Infection control
• Respect for resident rights and dignity
• Recognizing changes in residents and reporting them

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer
• No substitution for nursing staff

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer
• No substitution for nursing staff