Introduction
In the past, hospital food was often considered a bland necessity, primarily focused on delivering essential nutrients. However, the healthcare landscape has evolved, with institutions now competing to attract top medical professionals and prioritizing patient satisfaction alongside cost-effectiveness and regulatory compliance. Morrison Healthcare is at the forefront of this transformation, redefining patient menus and setting new standards for healthcare food service by developing new standards. The company does this by providing registered dietitians, culinarians and patient experience team members.
The Evolution of Hospital Food
From Basic Nourishment to Patient-Centric Dining
Historically, hospital food centered on providing basic nourishment, emphasizing essential nutrients prescribed by doctors for patient healing. Hospital dietitians translated these requirements into food orders, with culinary production managers focusing on sourcing, cooking, and serving meals. The primary concerns were accurate and safe food handling, including adherence to cook and hold times and temperature regulations. For decades, the industry prioritized low-cost meals that met basic regulatory standards.
Modern Healthcare: Competition and Patient Satisfaction
Today, healthcare institutions differentiate themselves by attracting and retaining world-class physicians. While cost and regulatory compliance remain critical, patient satisfaction significantly impacts an organization's ability to receive reimbursements. As one healthcare CEO noted, failing to meet a patient's meal expectations can be perceived as a failure, even if medical treatment is successful.
Morrison Healthcare's Innovative Approach
Re-writing the Script
Morrison Healthcare aims to change the perception of hospital food and the healthcare food service industry from the inside out.
The Great Living Menu
The Great Living menu embodies this approach, featuring globally inspired recipes and American regional home-style favorites. Recipes emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, complemented by lean meats and poultry. Morrison also prioritizes antibiotic-free dairy products and sustainable fish.
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Collaboration and Patient-Focused Service
Morrison Healthcare partners with hospital nursing teams to ensure food tastes good and meets dietary standards. Chefs may even visit patient rooms to gather feedback and ensure satisfaction.
Nutritional Expertise and Services
Registered Dietitians and Targeted Nutrition
Morrison Healthcare employs over 3,000 registered dietitians who partner with hospitals to assess nutrition risk and optimize patient outcomes. Their targeted nutrition services improve patient outcomes in over 900 hospitals.
Sophisticated Software and Early Intervention
Morrison utilizes sophisticated software that integrates patient data with a targeted care model. This approach facilitates the early identification and intervention, which is pivotal in improving patient outcomes such as decreased length of stay and reduced readmissions.
ACEND-Accredited Learning
Morrison Healthcare offers an ACEND-accredited learning experience, helping prepare dietetic interns every year.
Case Study: Monument Health Partnership
Café Makeover
Monument Health, a leading medical center in the Black Hills of South Dakota, partnered with Morrison Healthcare to revamp its café. Morrison provided the upfront capital, motivating Monument Health to undertake the project as part of their contract.
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The Role of the Clinical Dietitian
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Dietitians at Morrison Healthcare play a crucial role in providing medical nutrition therapy. Their responsibilities include:
- Providing medical nutrition therapy including nutrition assessment, diet modification, nutrition education, and intervention for the patient population.
- Following all guidelines as outlined within the Company Diet Manual and the Clinical Nutrition Policies & Procedures Manual.
- Complying with all regulatory standards to include federal, state, and accrediting agencies while adhering to facility confidentiality, HIPAA regulations, and patient rights policies.
- Training and mentoring patient services staff and interns as applicable.
- Participating in patient satisfaction programs, departmental meetings, and facility wide Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement programs.
Qualifications
To become a Clinical Dietitian at Morrison Healthcare, candidates typically need:
- Credentialed as a Registered Dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
- Licensed by the State Dietetics Licensing/Credentialing Board, in states where required
- One (1) year of hospital experience, preferred
- Possess the necessary skills to effectively utilize Microsoft office applications, electronic medical record & diet office systems, and nutrient analysis programming
Benefits of Working with Morrison Healthcare
Employee Benefits
Morrison Healthcare offers its associates a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Flexible Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Professional Development and Recognition
Morrison supports its dietitians with opportunities for education, career growth, and professional success. Special perks include:
- Education Reimbursement - Financial support for advanced learning
- Career Advancement - Growth programs tailored to RDNs
- Board Certifications - financial rewards for obtaining specialty certifications
- Relocation Assistance - Support when moving 50+ miles (based on location)
- Professional Membership Dues, CDR, & Licensure - Coverage of professional fees
- Free CEUs - Through our nutrition education webinar series
Commitment to Health and Sustainability
Morrison Healthcare is committed to socially responsible practices and exceptional guest experiences. The company's Mindful Choices® wellness and sustainability platform includes the latest in healthful eating and an understanding of behavioral change in food consumption. Morrison's alignment with Partnership for a Healthier America's (PHA) Hospital Healthy Food Initiative positively impacts up to 41 million patients and 500 million hospital meals annually.
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