Address
Form of workThe Lactation Consultant, under the supervision of the Director and/or Clinical Manager, is responsible for conducting on-going
assessments, patient and family education, and identifying and correcting variances from the Breastfeeding Center Program. S/he plans,
organizes, implements, and evaluates services that are consistent with overall needs of breastfeeding women. This position may be
caring for adolescents and adults.
Patient Care/Education
- Completes assessment of the patient seeking expertise.
- Implements changes in plan according to patient's individual needs.
- Prioritizes and problem solves to meet changes in patient status/condition.
- Utilizes pain scale in pain assessment; includes assessment of pain.
- Implements provider orders relating to Breastfeeding services.
- Participates in follow up services and patient education.
- Provides Family Centered Care.
- Demonstrates ability to travel to other departments.
- Provides breastfeeding education and support skills to families, staff and providers.
- Responds to RN request for inpatient consultation.
- Directs and delivers breastfeeding services and supplies.
- Develops the patient plan of care for breastfeeding mothers.
- Assists and/or performs procedures.
Communication/Documentation
- Documents assessments, interventions, and patient responses.
- Communicates and documents patient/family learning needs.
- Documents interventions and patient response to interventions and any changes in patient's condition/status.
- Communicates patient information to provider.
Administrative
- Completes evaluation of services and program goals.
- Makes referrals.
- Leases supplies and equipment.
- Assists in data collection.
- Responsible for ensuring adequate/appropriate staffing for schedule periods.
- Addresses work flow issues, ensures incidents are appropriately documented and corrective steps are taken.
- Provides credible input regarding employment actions including performance evaluation, discipline, and discharge on a regular basis.
- Writes and gives annual evaluations to lactation staff, including mid-year check ins.
- Identifies appropriate referral and educational resources for patients and staff.
- Ensures staff accountability, monitors staff performance, provides constructive feedback.
- Advocates for both patients and staff as needs arise.
- Schedules regular lactation staff meetings.
- Takes action to ensure that employees fully understand their roles, responsibilities and performance standards/expectations and provides ongoing feedback and support as employees strive to achieve expectations. Engages in two-way conversations throughout the year that ensure an up-to-date understanding of expectations, performance gaps and actions required to close any gaps.
Collaboration
- Involves Perinatal SW in designated patient populations.
- Works with providers and staff to enhance their skills and understanding of the program.
- Participates in creating and sustaining a learning environment supported by evidenced based practice and research.
- Focuses on personal development areas, engaging in professional/collegial interactions with peers and students.
- Work collaboratively with peers and other health care providers, and participating in ongoing in-service and educational seminars.
- Participates in the mentoring and education of colleagues and students.
Compliance/Safety
- Responsible for reporting any safety-related incident in a timely fashion through the Midas/RDE tool; attends all safety-related training programs; performs work in a safe manner; monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner.
- Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employee's area of responsibility.
- If required for the position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates.
- Completes all company mandatory modules and required job-specific training in the specified time frame.
- Maintains knowledge of Breastfeeding Center protocols and all practice guidelines/general operating practices.
- Adheres to regulatory and organizational standards affecting patient care and safety as well as all hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Practices in a safe and cost effective manner.
Education
High School Diploma or GED- Required
Bachelor's Degree- Preferred
Certification & Licensures
National Certification as IBCLC- Required
BLS (American Heart Association)- Required
Experience
Hands on experience supporting and educating breastfeeding women- Required
Evaluation of Services experience- Required
Program Development- Preferred
Bilingual- Preferred
Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment and technology is integrated into almost all aspects of patient care. Computers and other electronic devices are utilized across the organization and throughout each department. Colleagues must have an understanding of computers, and competence in using computers and basic software programs.
