Get to Know Boone Health Staff: Jackie Curry

Patient Dining Associate, Food & Nutrition Department

I’m a Boone baby. I was born and raised here in Columbia, and I graduated from Hickman High School. I’m the oldest of six siblings. Altogether, I have worked at Boone Hospital for 16 years across two different periods of my life. My first time working here was in 1991, and I stayed for 12 years before moving out of state. After being away for 19 years, I moved back to Columbia and have been back working at Boone Health for 4 years.

Why did you get into the health care field?

I’ve just always loved Boone Hospital. To me, being here feels like being a part of a community and family. I really enjoy helping people, and this job gives me the opportunity to do that through my work with my patients. I have also developed great relationships with the nurses on the floors I serve.

What interested you in your particular specialty?

I enjoy helping patients with their dietary needs by taking their meal selections and talking with them about their choices and limitations. That interaction gives me an opportunity to make their day a little better, and most of them are thankful that I was able to help them.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is getting to interact with patients. I love seeing them light up when they see me. I also love the people I work with. Both the patients I serve and the coworkers I work alongside are part of what makes this job so rewarding.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

One of the most challenging parts is having to tell patients that certain food choices are not available to them because of their diet order and restrictions. It can be hard to tell someone they can’t have a particular food they want. There is also a rewarding side to that, though, when I can help them find new food options they can try within those limits.

What has changed in your field since you started?

We introduced a new patient menu early last year, and the patients are really enjoying that. Looking back from when I first started, the main change I have noticed is that there are many more allergies and specialty diets that I must consider, such as alpha gal.

What do you see changing in the next 5 to 10 years?

In the next 5 to 10 years, I can see more diet trends emerging. When I think about my own work during that time, my personal goal is to become more efficient at my job and in how I carry out my day-to-day responsibilities.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy thrifting, which often includes traveling to thrift shops all around Missouri. I also enjoy cooking, doing puzzles, playing video games, and spending time with my friends in my free time.

What advice would you give someone looking to become a patient dining associate?

My advice would be to take the time to listen to your patients and pay special attention to the details. I would also encourage someone coming into this job to ask plenty of questions.