[naviga:h2]Tirsite Rogers, [/naviga:h2]

Dietary Technician

Bermuda Hospitals Board

"Meal service is one area in the hospital that brings comfort and joy."

Tirsite Rogers graduated from Berkeley Institute in 1998 and has been working at Bermuda Hospitals Board since 2003 as a dietary aide, an entry-level job that requires a high school diploma and offers on the job training. She was promoted to dietary technician three years later.

"There are excellent career advancement opportunities in this field for people interested in healthcare, hospitality industry or food service. Dietary aides are the front line staff responsible for delivering meals to patients and clearing food trays. On occasion, they may assist patients to fill out menu requests."

In her current position, Ms Rogers communicates with nurses, dietitians and hospital volunteers to make sure patients receive appropriate meals. She is also responsible for selecting foods that comply with dietary restrictions.

"Meals must meet the needs of patients on special diets such as low salt, low calories, cardiac, renal, diabetic or dysphasia (swallowing difficulty). We also assure patients avoid foods that are not tolerated because of allergies."

"I choose this field because I liked cooking and wanted to work in the healthcare industry."

Computer skills are an asset and help toward being promoted in this field.

"Meal service is one area in the hospital that brings comfort and joy. A satisfied patient makes us smile!

"Our department works as a team and we are like a family. I really enjoy my colleagues. I also love working with patients and other staff on the wards."

Good computer, communication and organisational skills are essential for the job. "We must be tolerant dealing with a diverse staff and patient population. We also need good problem solving skills."

Chemistry, Maths, Biology and Food and Nutrition are helpful high school subjects.

"My job requires paying attention to details. We provide food trays that meet dietary requirements for hundreds of patients every day."