Job Description
Job Description The Lactation Consultant is a self-directed, professional with advanced knowledge and expertise specific to his/her clinical area. The Lactation Consultant serves as a mentor, instructor, and expert in lactation care. The lactation role is developed in relationship to responsibilities and specialty population of practice. The Lactation Consultant will be department based and may have additional responsibilities as patient population warrants on other clinical floors as well as in the outpatient setting.
Responsibilities SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Assessment, Diagnosis assistance, Identification of Clinical outcomes, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation of Lactating mothers and their newborns. On-Going Staff Education: Standard 1: Assessment - Evaluates the learning needs of the staff at least annually.
Standard 2: Diagnosis - Maintains current knowledge of lactation practice in the clinical setting.
- Keeps abreast of educational requirements for clinical staff which pertain to clinical lactation care.
Standard 3: Identification of Educational Outcomes - Prepares and/or coordinates staff education for new products, medications, equipment, services provided, performance improvement initiatives and/or regulatory requirements all related to the lactation process/needs.
Standard 4: Planning - Refers to professional literature and evidence-based practice when preparing educational materials.
- Collaborates with vendors, physicians, nurses, or professional staff to provide staff education.
Standard 5: Implementation - Ensures that all staff has support for clinical decisions of feeding plans, feeding patterns, and clinical concerns.
Standard 6: Evaluation Evaluates for improved clinical outcomes as appropriate
Leadership
Demonstrates leadership skills such as the ability to motivate, educate, and mentor peers and other members of the healthcare team while effectively managing the care of patients and family members. Professional Development:
- Assumes responsibility and accountability for personal professional growth and development. Contributes to the professional care of the newborn and family.
1. Participates in 75% of unit staff meetings- standing time for lactation updates in staff meetings.
2. Supports self and peer professional growth and development based on information received in periodic (at least annual) needs assessment.
3. Completes all educational requirements to maintain necessary population specific competencies. Submits required test and paperwork in a timely manner.
4. Prepares for certification examination for self.
5. Participates in appropriate professional organizations.
6. Participates in community offerings to collaborate with colleagues.
Other:
- Is available to provide education to employees on all shifts.
Participates in councils, task forces, and committee meetings (house wide and unit-based) as desired.
UNIT POPULATION SERVED COMPETENCY: Evidence exists that The Christ Hospital lactation staff considers the special needs and behaviors of the specific patient populations served. Lactation should be aware of all patients needs in any part of the hospital that are lactating. They should also be able to demonstrate those competencies that address the needs of patients with unique cultural norms, religious preferences, language/communication barriers and/or literacy limitations.
RELATIONSHIPS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND REQUIREMENTS - Staff telephone warm line to answer questions/provide continuing support to breastfeeding moms after discharge.
- Staff outpatient clinic to see any scheduled outpatients.
- Coordinate care with in house and community physicians related to care of the lactating family.
- Coordinates specialized educational bulletins, power points or education at staff meetings.
- Sets standards for care of the lactating family.
- Documents care, teaching, and breastfeeding plan of care/progress on patient charts. Communicates to all team members for continuity of care.
- Develops strong relationships with clinical instructors/students to ensure enhanced student experiences.
- Serves as a mentor for RN's and other care providers-related to lactation needs.
- Provide rental services and assist with DME services.
Provide updated list of community resources to purchase or rent breastfeeding equipment, as well as telephone numbers, addresses and hours of operation
Qualifications KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: EDUCATION:
Certification by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLC) on hire or within one year of hire Preferred. Minimum of CLC certification Required.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of five years of applicable clinical experience working with childbearing families.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Excellent communication and teaching skills are required. Actively seeks opportunities in area of expertise and /or in education to improve own knowledge by regularly attending continuing education programs.
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS : Membership in professional organizations is desirable.
Certification in area of specialty is required within one year of starting the position. (IBCLC), (CLC)
BLS Certification is required.
NRP certification is required for all perinatal areas.
List any certifications and licenses required to perform this position
Job Tags
Full time, All shifts,