CAROLYN JENNINGS
Boca Raton, FL 603-***-**** ******************@*****.*** LinkedIn
Director of Food & Nutrition Profile
Dynamic Director of Food & Nutrition with over a decade of experience influencing nutrition initiatives and enhancing service delivery across diverse healthcare settings. Excel in developing comprehensive nutrition support protocols and driving team management to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards. Expertise in streamlining inventory processes and implementing effective food management systems, leading to improved operational efficiency. Proven track record in fostering team growth through dedicated training and collaboration, enhancing resident well-being by integrating strategic nutrition solutions. Adept at facilitating interdisciplinary communication and optimizing nutrition services, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in complex environments.
CORE PROFICIENCIES
Food Safety & Sanitation Nutritional Analysis Budgeting & Financial Management Program Oversight
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
Inventory Management Staff Training & Development Process Improvement Relationship Building Quality Data Analysis
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
•Led the successful implementation of the National School Lunch Program and efficiently managed the Government Commodity Program as a Director of Nutrition Services at Ann Storck Center.
•Introduced a patient satisfaction program that elevated food service scores to 98% department-wide, surpassing the hospital standard of 88.70% at Morrison Healthcare.
•Restructured operational systems, eliminating overtime hours in patient delivery, diet office services, and production, achieving zero overtime at Morrison Healthcare.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Eagle Healthcare, Florida 2024 to Present
Consultant
Deliver nutrition education, conduct nutrition assessments, and file documentation in patient medical record portal. Manage food service staff, coordinate schedules to comply with budget and labor restrictions.
Selected Accomplishments:
•Attained the objectives of maintaining 100% compliance with labor and procurement budgets.
Avante Healthcare, Florida 2023 to 2024
Consultant
Supervised food service staff, managed schedules, and conducted sanitation and safety checks. Oversaw procurement of food and supplies for operations. Provided nutrition education and conducted assessments. Ensured timely documentation on medical record portal.
Selected Accomplishments:
•Maintained 100% adherence to budget guidelines for labor and procurement of food and supplies.
Nutritious Lifestyles, Florida 2021 to Present
Nutrition Consultant
Oversee nutrition support and implement food management systems for healthcare facilities across Florida. Lead food service teams containing 25 professionals to ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and quality standards. Manage food order systems, streamlining inventory processes while adhering to budgetary guidelines. Conduct weekly audits for sanitation and safety, performing quality assurance checks to guarantee optimal service delivery. Collaborate with healthcare staff to enhance nutrition support for residents and foster team growth through dedicated training sessions.
Selected Accomplishments:
•Restructured operational systems to eliminate overtime hours in patient delivery, diet office services, and production, achieving zero overtime.
Ann Storck Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2018 to 2021
Director of Nutrition Services
Directed implementation of the National School Lunch Program and managed the Government Commodity Program. Designed and assessed menus while coordinating food purchasing to adhere to budgetary constraints. Supervised acquisition and storage of emergency food and supplies. Monitored nutritional health of Group Home residents by conducting annual nutrition assessments and reports through medical record screenings, mealtime observations, and consultations with Circle of Support Team. Ensured compliance with health standards and facilitated collaboration among stakeholders to optimize nutrition services.
Selected Accomplishments:
•Played a key role in new construction projects by reviewing specifications, blueprints, and governing codes to ensure compliance.
Thomas Cuisine, Delray Beach, FL 2015 to 2018
Health Center Manager
Led nutritional services and completed MDS, care plans, and initial nutrition assessments for health center residents. Ensured precise care delivery by supervising food service employees, maintaining food safety standards, and implementing nutrition and food safety education. Improved service efficacy by handling hiring processes and managing training sessions for new staff. Coordinated interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance outcomes and support individualized resident plans. Facilitated the integration of technology in nutritional service delivery and record-keeping.
Selected Accomplishments:
•Investigated, advocated for, and successfully implemented a $278K Dinex tray delivery system, resulting in enhanced food appearance and quality.
Morrison Healthcare, Florida Hospital Tampa, FL 2012 to 2015
Patient Service Manager
Oversaw recruitment processes, including onboarding and training of nutrition department staff, tailoring development to organizational requirements. Conducted annual staff performance reviews with adherence to procedural timelines. Cultivated and managed relationships with resources, ensuring alignment with company policies and procedures and maintaining standards compliance. Facilitated comprehensive evaluations of food service standards to ensure optimal patient and resident satisfaction. Engaged in inpatient rounds, delivering education on nutritional needs to both patients and their families.
Selected Accomplishments:
•Trained and led the implementation of the CBORD food service and nutrition systems, serving as the administrator for the platform.
•Programmed and launched the 'At Your Request Room Service,' enhancing the patient’s dining experience.
•Enhanced service efficiency in the Emergency Room through participation in the Rapid Improvement Project, resulting in a notable reduction in patient wait times.
Department of Health WIC program, Clearwater, FL 2010 to 2012
Nutritionist
Provided nutrition education and access to healthy food for pregnant women and children under five through the Department of Health WIC program. Introduced breastfeeding education and support to eligible mothers, promoting optimal infant health. Delivered comprehensive nutrition education, assisting families in making informed dietary choices and fostering healthy lifestyle changes. Identified additional care needs and coordinated referrals to services beyond WIC, ensuring holistic support for participants. Organized seminars and workshops to enhance community understanding of nutrition benefits.
•Enhanced procedures for acquiring and storing enteral feeding supplies for premature infants.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Master’s Degree- Social Science, 2000
Syracuse University, New York
Bachelor’s Degree- Dietetics and Nutrition, 1974
California University, SAC
Certified/licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist, AND, New York 2023 - Present
Certified Dietary Manager, ANFP 2024 - Present
Certified Food Protection Professional, ANFP 2024 - Present
AFFILIATIONS
Member, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
ANFP/Association of Nutrition and FoodService Professionals
Military Experience United States Air Force, Honorable Discharge, Veteran