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Aramark is One of the Largest Organizations Employing Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Nationwide
At this year’s Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE ®) in Nashville, four Aramark Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) presented original research and practical strategies that are reshaping clinical nutrition in healthcare.
Their poster-presentations focused on standardizing competency validation, reimagining onboarding, and expanding inpatient telenutrition—each designed to elevate patient care, optimize staffing, and support professional growth of RDNs and Clinical Nutrition Managers (CNMs).
Inpatient Telenutrition: Optimizing Staffing and Enhancing Patient Care
Jessica Leonard, Aramark Healthcare+ Regional Director of Clinical Nutrition Development and Deployment, and Nakia Spencer-Graham, Aramark Healthcare+ National Director of Clinical Nutrition Development and Deployment, explored how recent regulatory changes have enabled inpatient Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to be delivered via telehealth. Their team developed and implemented a secure, compliant audio-visual platform that allows Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) to provide care remotely—bridging the gap to create a scalable, sustainable telehealth model.
Since implementation, the program has significantly reduced time-to-fill for RDN roles, dropping from well over a year to approximately 16 days. It has also led to improved patient outcomes and substantial cost savings. RDNs are now able to see approximately 14% more patients per day and spend 10–15% more time in direct patient care, while also helping shift perceptions around the effectiveness of virtual nutrition care.
Standardize Clinical Competency Validation for Your Staff: The Why and How?
Spearheaded by Dolly Attwal, Aramark Healthcare+ Regional Director of Clinical Nutrition Development and Deployment, Aramark Healthcare+ introduced a structured framework for validating clinical competencies among Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Competency serves as the foundation for skill standards, defining the knowledge, abilities, and performance levels required for success in healthcare settings as governed by state and federal regulations.
Built on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ (AND) Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP), the program includes evidence-based training modules, simulated patient scenarios, and remediation tools to ensure RDNs consistently meet rigorous standards of care. The program provides a comprehensive playbook with supportive tools, resources, and clear expectations to ensure competency of RDNs.
By aligning clinical practice with validated competencies, Aramark Healthcare+ is advancing safety, accountability, and performance across its healthcare teams.
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Innovating Registered Dietitian Onboarding: Fresh Perspectives and Practices
Aramark Healthcare+ is redefining how Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and Clinical Nutrition Managers (CNMs) are onboarded across healthcare facilities. Led by Monica Klemm, Aramark Healthcare+ Regional Clinical Nutrition Manager, this initiative introduces a self-led, interactive virtual platform that delivers consistent, comprehensive training for new hires.
The onboarding program includes modular training videos, hands-on exercises, and peer networking opportunities, all designed to accelerate integration, reinforce organizational standards, and enhance job satisfaction. Developed through stakeholder focus groups and a comprehensive literature review, the initiative has led to increased job satisfaction and stronger retention, reducing turnover rates by about 7.2%—demonstrating the value of investing in engaging, structured onboarding.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are required to complete ongoing continuing education to maintain their credentials and stay current with evolving standards of care. As the largest annual gathering of food and nutrition professionals, FNCE ® provides a premier stage for Aramark to showcase its leadership in clinical nutrition innovation, workforce development, and patient-centered care.
“Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are driving meaningful change in healthcare through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based practice,” said Bart Kaericher, President and CEO of Aramark Healthcare+. “From telehealth to competency validation and onboarding, these initiatives reflect Aramark Healthcare+’s dedication to advancing clinical nutrition and supporting the professional growth of our teams, while supporting our healthcare partners.”
