Ruth E. Halter
Dining RD
Tucson,USA
1
Certification
34
years of professional experience
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Work History
Clinical Registered Diet Technician
20 Years 10 Months- Maintained long term care charting, care planning, and weight reports to support patient health outcomes. Conducted sanitation inspections, ensuring compliance with health regulations to promote safety and quality care. Participated in Weight and Skin committee to address patient needs and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Developed and implemented personalized nutrition plans for diverse clientele.
- Conducted thorough dietary assessments to ensure compliance with health standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and nutrition education.
Operations Manager for Food and Nutrition Services
2 Years 4 Months- Streamlined workflow processes to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Implemented staff training programs, improving team performance and service delivery.
- Coordinated cross-departmental initiatives to optimize resource allocation and management.
Patient Services Manager for Food and Nutrition
14 Years 3 Months- Led patient service initiatives to improve patient satisfaction and overall experience.
- Compiled patient satisfaction survey data and conducted patient rounds to address concerns.
- Demonstrated proficiency in using the Patient Diet Office/Menu system (CBORD) to manage dietary information.
- Provide all nutritional educational presentations for TMC in the community and within TMC facilities.
- Attend and actively participate on Pressure Ulcer Prevention Committee.
- Attend Nurse Manager Meeting quarterly to act as liaison between Nursing and Food and Nutrition Services. Provide nutritional consults for patients placed at Palo Verde Behavioral Health Center.
- Conducted tray accuracy audits, compiling data for monthly performance review.
Manager of Food and Nutrition Services
2 Years- Oversaw food service operations, maintaining compliance with health regulations and enhancing patient satisfaction.
- Conducted clinical initial nutrition assessments, care planning, and follow-up to ensure compliance with patient dietary needs.
- Secured citation-free status during Medicare surveys in 2008 and 2009, demonstrating commitment to quality standards.
- Re-opened facility in accordance with regulatory agencies.
- Attend and actively participate in Stand-Up meeting, Safety meeting, Weight & Skin Review, and Quality meeting.
- Collaborate with staff Activity Director for patient activities.
- Conduct Senior Nutrition/Wellness classes.
- 45 bed Sub-Acute facility with supervision of 6 employees.
Quality Supervisor for Food and Nutrition Services
7 Months- Oversee food service operations of Palo Verde Behavioral Health Center with Pima County Inspection grade of Excellent.
- Managed patient food services staff to ensure optimal service delivery and compliance with standards.
- Implement On Demand Patient Meal Room Service Program using LEAN principles in conjunction with Management team.
- Developed strategic goals for department to enhance service quality and operational effectiveness.
- Maintain patient service standards through regular audits of the patient trayline, patient visits, and other quality assurance activities.
- Work collaboratively with the clinical nutrition staff to assure that all specialized diets are met.
- 609 Adult bed, 62 Psych beds, and 90 bassinets with supervision of 42 employees. Ensure the highest quality of food and services are provided to all patients in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Trained as a Master Change Agent
1 Year- Chosen as one of 6 individuals from TMC Healthcare's professional staff for a competitive position.
- Trained management level employees to facilitate inter-departmental meetings, fostering team collaboration, achieving targeted goals, and identifying barriers to improve administrative and patient services.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement Six Sigma methodologies, improving process efficiencies.
- Developed and executed training programs for staff on change management principles.
- Analyzed data to identify areas for improvement, driving operational excellence initiatives.
Director of Nutritional Support Services
7 Years 5 Months- Managed nutrition support services for a 122-bed facility, supervised 32 employees, and led departmental initiatives.
- Launched monthly themed meal initiatives to increase customer engagement and enhance cafeteria offerings, resulting in diverse and appealing food selections.
- Revamped cafeteria menu to include healthier options and seasonal dishes
- Implemented tray audit system for accuracy and proper temperatures
- Implemented new hardware for patient tray delivery system
- Developed rotating dysphagia menu using molded pureed foods
- Served on Food and Nutrition Advisory Board for Triad Hospitals for three years, contributing to strategic decisions impacting food service operations and nutrition standards.
- Active participant for Departmental Operations Committee, 2000-2001
Food Service Director
11 Months- Oversaw care for 120 beds, supervised 15 employees, and organized Food Service Department operations to ensure quality service delivery.
- Managed all nutrition-related clinical aspects of the facility.
- Purchase, receive, store, and issue all food and dietary supplies. Responsible for the preparation and presentation of food.
- Charted on long term care and Alzheimer's units, conducted clinical audits, and actively participated in patient care and discharge planning meetings.
- Ensured compliance with sanitation and housekeeping standards while conducting interviews and hiring to build a competent team.
- Prepare and administer departmental budget and finalize accounting reports and monthly inventories.
- Complied with all county, state, and federal regulations.
Food Service Director
2 Years- 26 acute care and 49 long term care beds with supervision of 20 employees. Organized and administered Food Service Department, overseeing all aspects of food services. Counseled and managed employee performance, including conducting terminations when necessary. Orientated all new employees. Provide acute care and LTC nutrition assessments and education. Actively participate in discharge planning and patient care planning meetings. Assessed performance, monitored progress, and reported findings. Complied with all county, state, and federal regulations. Participated in Infection Control and Patient Care Planning Committees to enhance patient outcomes.
- Directed food service operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Streamlined menu planning processes to enhance nutritional quality and reduce food waste.
- Implemented training programs for staff, improving service delivery and operational efficiency.
Assistant Food Service Director
2 Years 11 Months- Assistant Food Service Director for HDS Services, Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital, Nogales, Az.
- Managed food service operations to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed training programs for staff to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to optimize supply chain operations and reduce waste.
Education
B.S. - General Agriculture/Nutritional Sciences
A.S. - Dietetic Technology
Skills
Medical nutrition therapy
Nutritional assessment
Dietary analysis
Clinical documentation
Menu development
Meal planning
Therapeutic diets
Allergen management
Portion control
Food safety standards
Nutritional food preparation
Clinical service management
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Recipe modification
Health promotion
Time management
Problem-solving
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Problem-solving
Accomplishments
Treasurer for Southern Arizona Dietetic Association 2001-2003
Master Change Agent for TMC using Six Sigma LEAN
Serve Safe Certified
Serve Safe Instructor and Proctor
Preceptor for University of Arizona and Central Arizona College dietetic students
Nominated for Building Bridges Award issued by Martha McSally Congress Women
Apple Award for PASSION from Nutrition Alliance 2018
Mobile Meals Board Member 2017-2024
Coordinator for all Food and Nutrition volunteers
International Presenter for CBORD Patient Meal Ordering App
Facilitator for Leading an Empowered Organization
Member of ERAS team at TMC
Recognized for Leadership on earning Center of Excellence fro Commission on Dietetic Registration
Panel presenter for CBORD Patient Meal Ordering App at Illumia Conference 2026
Certification
- Voted Recognized Registered Dietetic Technician of the Year for Arizona 1996
- DTR representative for the Southern Arizona Dietetic Association, 2002, 2001
- Treasurer for Southern Arizona Dietetic Association 2012-2014
- American Dietetic Assoc. registration number 802428
- Serve Safe Certified until June 2016
- Certified Serve Safe Instructor through June 2016
- Literacy Certification for Elementary Age Children
Timeline
Operations Manager for Food and Nutrition Services
Tucson Medical Center
12.2023 - 04.2026Read More
Patient Services Manager for Food and Nutrition
TMC Healthcare Food and Nutrition Services
09.2009 - 12.2023Read More
Manager of Food and Nutrition Services
TMC Healthcare/El Dorado Campus
09.2007 - 09.2009Read More
Quality Supervisor for Food and Nutrition Services
TMC Healthcare
09.2006 - 04.2007Read More
Trained as a Master Change Agent
General Electric's Six Sigma Management Development Program
04.2006 - 04.2007Read More
Clinical Registered Diet Technician
Dining RD
09.2005 - CurrentRead More
Director of Nutritional Support Services
El Dorado Hospital
04.1999 - 09.2006Read More
Food Service Director
Morrison Management Specialists, Inc.
04.1998 - 03.1999Read More
Food Service Director
Morrison Management Specialists, Inc. and HDS Services
03.1996 - 03.1998Read More
Assistant Food Service Director
HDS Services
01.1993 - 12.1995Read More
University of Maine at Farmington
A.S. from Dietetic Technology
Read More
University of Arizona
B.S. from General Agriculture/Nutritional Sciences
Read More
Personal
- Born 9/15/60
- TUSD Jefferson Park Elementary School Booster Club Secretary 2002-2006
- Excellent health