RN Lactation Consultant

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our RN Lactation Consultant, you will assess and manage breastfeeding mothers and babies, particularly those with problems or concerns, exercising independent judgment in the assessment, diagnosis, and initiation of nursing processes and procedures.


Every day you will provide direct patient care, support training for new associates on breastfeeding techniques and standards of care, and serve as a subject matter expert to relevant units. You will also develop and present education for clients and hospital staff, demonstrating knowledge of lactation and adult learning principles within a complex healthcare environment.


To be successful in this role, you will be a Registered Nurse with a BSN, strong clinical expertise in lactation (including neonates), excellent assessment and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently. Your experience in adult learning principles, communication, and commitment to supporting mothers and infants are essential.

• Assesses the lactating patient's physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs through observation, interview, review of records, and clinical data, then evaluates the patient's response and intervenes in a timely manner to ensure optimal patient outcome.
• Manages lactation issues and utilizes appropriate resources to solve problems for inpatients (OB, NICU, and PEDS populations) and for outpatients as needed.
• Develops and updates policies, procedures, standards of care, and guidelines for supporting and implementing the art of breastfeeding.
• Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to develop and implement holistic, individualized patient plans of care, observing outcomes in accordance with nursing standards and physician directions.
• Supports and educates colleagues so that the overall standard of breastfeeding care is improved.
• Responsible for documentation of assessments, outcomes, and plans of care.

Job Requirements

Required

• Associate's Degree in Nursing
• Three (3) years nursing experience
• RN License; Current state nursing licenses or valid RN license from a participating state in the National Licensure Compact. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant or Certified Lactation Counselor

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Prior lactation training and/or certification

Where You'll Work

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is a full-service, 712-bed acute care provider in Colorado Springs comprising Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and St Francis Hospital - Interquest. St. Francis Hospital opened in 2008 to keep pace with the growing needs of the Colorado Springs' community on the north side of the city. St. Francis Hospital features 340-beds and offers a modern Birth Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cancer Center, Emergency Department, Level III Trauma Center, Imaging Services, Acute Inpatient Rehab, Surgical Services and Critical Care Unit. It also serves as southern Colorado's home base for the Flight For Life Colorado air medical transport service. It's an incredible time to join us as we celebrate recognition with Magnet Hospital designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for superior quality in nursing care. With more than 300 days of annual sunshine, mild winters and easy-to-access recreational areas including Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and some of Colorado's top destination resorts, you will enjoy an incredible lifestyle while having the career you've always wanted.