Rn Lactation Consultant

Lactation Care Nurse

Collaborates with the medical and nursing staff in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating lactation care and education. Routinely provides specialized nursing care and education to lactating patients. Participates in the educational growth and development of nursing staff with regard to lactation issues. Responsible for competency validation, consultation and research. Works in a Staff Nurse capacity, as needed. Incumbents are accountable to the North Carolina Board of Nursing for practicing nursing within the scope of the North Carolina Nursing Practice Act.

1. Competence: Performs patient assessments and analyzes the data to determine the diagnoses or issues.

2. Identifies expected outcomes; formulates and documents individualized plan of care for assigned patients.

3. Implements and evaluates patient care based on age appropriateness.

4. Serves as a resource and consultant with respect to lactation care problems, concepts, methods, procedures and techniques.

5. Provides patient and/or family with instruction and education relevant to patient's condition, and serves as primary educator for all patients required specialized lactation care.

6. Interacts with and contributes to the professional development of peers and colleagues and assists with orienting/training other nursing employees and students.

7. Attains knowledge and competency that reflects current nursing practice.

8. Sets up, operates and/or maintains equipment and work areas.

9. Departmental Based Accountabilities

10. Communicates with patients or their representatives ensuring that the patient's concerns and wishes regarding their own care are considered and communicated to pertinent care providers.

11. Responsible for the establishment and on-going planning and review of policies, standards, procedures and goals related to lactation care and education.

12. Monitors the lactation care and education provided by nursing staff for adequacy and appropriateness.

13. Performs miscellaneous duties, as needed, to support unit operations and the provision of care.

Education Requirements:

Associate's degree in nursing. Graduate of an approved nursing program.

Bachelor's degree in nursing preferred.

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

Registered Nurse (RN). Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina.

BCLS Certification. Recertification required every 2 years.

IBCLC Certification (within 6 months of start date). Certified by the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant Examiners.

Has completed a Breastfeeding Educator Course and will obtain certification within one year of employment.

Professional Experience Requirements:

3 years of Healthcare/Medical - Nurse: Registered Nurse experience.

Substantial nursing experience in a nursing specialty or sub-specialty preferred.