Lactation Consultant

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Responsible for providing safe, family-centered lactation care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating lactation plans for the breastfeeding/chest-feeding dyad, as well as for the pumping and bottle-feeding parent, and is fully collaborative with the patient, 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.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

Provides lactation assessment, management, education and instruction for patients, patient families and medical care team members.

Collaborates with providers and patient care team members in the care of care of postpartum patients and NICU families who are breastfeeding/chest feeding as well as lactating families.

Assists patients with current challenges and potential problems and completes physician referrals as requested.

Advocates for the patient while communicating effectively with patients, families, providers and the medical care team members.

Evaluates patient's response to care and initiates independent and/or collaborative changes where appropriate.

Functions as a resource person for staff providing patient care and serves as a communication link between the patient and medical care staff.

Provides education to birthing persons and families about breastfeeding/chest feeding as well as all maternal child areas.

Functions as a clinical expert and educational resource for all staff and all shifts on this subject matter; evaluates skills and knowledge and provides feedback to staff and the Nurse Manager/Director.

Monitors new research for up-to-date evidence-based practice guidelines; promotes new practices and technology with staff and physicians.

Ensures cross-entity cooperation and resolution to strengthen evidence-based practice through collaboration with department leaders from Bryan Health System following NPQIC requirements.

Updates education materials, curriculum and competencies as identified.

Coordinates community health education programs for Women's and Children's health and participates in activities to build community awareness of provided educational offerings.

Standardizes care practices and measures outcomes of care to directly improve patient outcomes.

Reviews medical history and past breastfeeding/chest feeding experiences, discusses feeding patterns, assesses baby's suck and milk supply, assesses appropriate feedings and weight gain, and assists with a feeding.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Current Registered Nurse licensure from the State of Nebraska or approved compact state as defined by the Nebraska Nurse Practice Act required. Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.

IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) and STABLE required within one (1) year of hire.