RN-Lactation Specialist-Lactation and Childbirth Education Center

Job Objective:

Responsible for providing safe, family- centered care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating lactation plans for the breastfeeding/chest-feeding dyad, as well as for pumping parents, and is fully collaborative with the parents, patient’s family, significant others, and members of the health care team. Demonstrates specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding/chest-feeding and human lactation. As an integral member of the Health Care Team, functions within the Scope of Practice as defined by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and follows Standards of Practice as defined by their professional association, International Lactation Consultant Association, and adheres to policies, procedures, and guidelines of care.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies, and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and report suspected violations.
• Educates mothers and families to give information, initiates and maintains lactation, overcome obstacles, prevents premature weaning and enhance maternal role satisfaction.
• Provides direct patient care, collaborates with patients, families, peers, physicians and other members of the health care team in the delivery of health care services to the specific patient population.
• Assesses patient's needs, plans care, implements and evaluates patient care in accordance with the patient’s needs based on the nurse’s knowledge of growth/development, the hospital and nursing philosophy, policies/procedures and standards.
• Performs consultation, of lactation equipment and supplies, telephone triage, and prenatal education as it relates to lactation as appropriate.
• Offers post-delivery consultative care to patients: breastfeeding/chest-feeding, family bonding and planning, etc..
• Evaluates the patient’s response to care and initiate independent and / or collaborative changes where appropriate
• Conducts bedside lactation rounds daily.
• Plans, teaches, and conducts in-service education for maternity nursing staff.
• Performs initial assessment and completes required documentation within organizational standards.
• Demonstrates responsibility for professional practice through active participation in professional organizations.
• Participates in the identification and clarification of patient needs, as evidenced by participation in multidisciplinary care planning, to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
• Uses current lactation theories and research to develop evidence- based feeding plans that address individual feeding issues, such as nutritional requirements, while respecting the family’s breastfeeding goals.
• Identifies and analyzes system barriers to provision of excellent care and develops plans to resolve barriers.
• Implements and utilizes the Relationship-Based Care Professional Practice Model as the guide to all interactions between patients, families, co-workers, staff, physicians, and self.
• Prioritizes nursing interventions commensurate with patient’s needs.
• Provides, evaluates retention of, and documents education to the patient/family/significant other according to organizational standards.
• Coordinates and documents appropriate discharge planning and referrals to ensure continuity of care after discharge.
• Recognizes, accepts responsibility for, and maintains commitment to professional development and clinical competency.
• Attends required professional development sessions and staff meetings. Identifies personal knowledge deficits and seeks resources/consultation to ensure safe patient care.
• Utilizes all channels of communication including reading organizational email, to obtain knowledge, transmit information, address concerns, and solve problems.
• Embraces change and continuously identifies opportunities for improvement by demonstrating a commitment to utilizing evidence based practice.
• Articulates knowledge and actively participates in nursing practice quality initiatives.
• Incorporates performance improvement recommendations into daily practice.
• Accepts accountability and participates in problem-solving issues related to quality patient care outcomes.
• Shares knowledge and acts as a professional resource to other members of the health care team.
• Supports and participates in Unit Based Council initiatives.
• Contributes to professional growth of peers by providing feedback through peer coaching and evaluation.
• Complies with divisional and unit specific matrices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Skils:

• Demonstrates active involvement in evidence-based nursing practice for lactation
• Demonstrates leadership skills and a commitment to professional accountability and growth
• Knowledge of healthcare and regulatory standards in order to meet training needs
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrates compassionate and non-judgmental care giver and advocate
• Knowledge of the special needs of the critical ill obstetrical as well as neonatal patient population
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills
• Knowledge and ability to function in a professional role and serve as a professional role model
• Knowledge of current nursing, medical and health trends and practices in rendering of patient care
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Contributes to Maintaining a Healthy Work Environment
• Demonstrates competence in the Scope and Standards of Care for Nursing Professional Development
• Ability to communicate and teach effectively by using dynamic approaches
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively