Lactation Consultant

White Plains Hospital Job Description

Title:

Lactation Consultant

Job Code: 300220

Department/Location:

Mother-Baby Unit

FLSA Status: Non-

exempt

Reports to:

Nurse Manager

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Nurse Manager, the lactation consultant provides direct patient care. The Lactation Consultant collaborates with patients, family/significant others, peers, physicians, and other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team in the delivery of lactation services to mother-baby dyad. The Lactation Consultant assesses lactation needs of the mother-baby dyad, plans care, implements, and evaluates the lactation interventions in accordance with the hospital and nursing philosophy, policies/procedures and standards both inpatient and outpatient. He/she provides education/instruction to parents prenatally in the classroom setting and collects data related to Baby Friendly Designation and other quality initiatives. He/she demonstrates leadership skills and a commitment to professional accountability and growth.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities Includes the Following:

1. Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies and Behaviors.
2. Plans, implements and evaluates the Lactation orientation and inservice programs for nursing and physician staff members on an on-going basis to assure appropriate documentation and skill competency.
3. Facilitates patient education classes and outpatient lactation resources.
4. Ensures Human Donor Milk processes are in alignment with regulatory agencies via documentation and compliance with established policies and procedures.
5. Participates in data collection, education/instruction related to Baby Friendly initiative in partnership with WPH providers and administrators to ensure the compliance and maintenance of the designation.
6. Utilizes appropriate steps in the decision-making process to include recognition and priority setting related to patient care and unit-based issues. Addresses issues with appropriate actions
7. Collaborates and communicates with the health care team.
8. Integrates patient rights into work practice.
9. Provides direct patient care as a staff RN as needed.
10. Utilizes and monitors methods of Infection Control
11. Develops and participates in the Performance Improvement initiatives.
12. Completes competency requirements for WHPC as well as CERP requirements to maintain IBCLC Certification
13. Attends mandatory inservices
14. Attends staff meetings as required/requested.
15. Utilizes cost containment practices.
16. Adheres to all WPH policies and procedures including dress code, code of conduct, customer service, attendance and submission of annual physicals.
17. Oversees/runs the pump rental program.
18. Functions as a resource person regarding lactation issues, to hospital staff, physicians and patients
19. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

• • Graduate from an accredited school of nursing with current New York registration.
  • BSN Degree required.
  • Knowledge of current nursing, medical and health trends and practices in rendering of patient care.
  • Knowledge of current nursing, lactation, medical and health trends and practices in rendering of patient care
  • Certification from the IBCLE (International Board of Certified Lactation Examiners) with a certification of IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant)
  • BCLS, NRP and ACLS certification is required.
  • Successful completion of Department and Unit Orientation Programs

Core Competencies

• Teamwork & Adaptability
• Acts as a Professional Role Model
• Assessment Skills
• Excellent Communication Skills (both verbal and written)
• Attention to Detail
• Planning & Organizing
• Sound Problem-Solving, Judgment and Decision-Making Skills
• Stress Tolerance

Physical/Mental Demands/Requirements & Work Environment

• May be exposed to chemicals necessary to perform required tasks. Any hazardous chemicals the employee may be exposed to are listed in the hospital's SDS (Safety Data Sheet) data base and accessed through the hospital's Intranet site (Employee Tools/SDS Access). A copy of the SDS data base can also be found at the hospital switchboard, saved on a disc.
• Position requires ability to move about freely at least 85 per cent of the time.
• Must be able to remain stationary for extended/prolonged periods.
• Frequently moves/transports objects up to fifty (50) pounds and must be able to move patients of all weights with a minimum of one (1) assist or assistive device/equipment.
• Must be able to work in environment with continuous interruptions.
• Must be able to assess and respond to rapidly changing situational needs of patients, department and hospital.
• Must be able to adapt in a high stress and fast-paced environment with multiple interruptions.
• Must be able to detect sounds and respond to emergency sounds/signals at all times.
• Must be able to constantly operate computer, equipment, and other devices.
• Position requires ability to concentrate on fine detail with interruptions and attend to tasks for more than sixty (60) minutes at a time.
• Individual must be able to understand and relate to theories behind several related concepts and remember multiple tasks given during the course of a day.

Primary Population Served

Check appropriate box(s) below:

X Neonatal (birth - 28 days)

• Patients with exceptional communication needs

X Infant (29 days - less than 1 year)

• Patients with developmental delays

• Pediatric (1 - 12 years)

• Patients at end of life

• Adolescent (13 - 17 years)

• Patients under isolation precautions

X Adult (18 - 64 years)

• Patients with cultural needs

• Geriatric (> 65 years)

• All populations

• Bariatric Patients with weight related comorbidities

• Non-patient care population

The responsibilities and tasks outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of White Plains Hospital.

Salary Range: $117,695-$152,756 (Based on full-time employment)