Lactation Specialist (RN)

Neonatal Icu Position

Arkansas Children's is a tobacco free workplace. Flu vaccines are required. Arkansas Children's is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This position has been designated as safety sensitive and cannot be filled by a candidate who is a current user of medical marijuana.

Work Shift: Day Shift

Time Type: Full time

Department: CC013130 3H Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Summary:

Neonatal ICU. Full time. Schedule: Sunday and two set weekdays. CLC or IBCLC certification required. Previous NICU experience preferred. Functions independently in a staff position as an expert practitioner, consultant, educator and researcher within the lactation specialty. This individual possesses a high degree of knowledge, skill and competence in the provision of care directly to the patient, family or community and indirectly through guidance of care by other personnel.

Additional Information:

Required Education:

Associate's degree or 2 years of relevant experience

Recommended Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Required Work Experience:

Related Field - 1 year of experience

Recommended Work Experience:

Required Certifications:

Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) - The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice: TALPP.org, Registered Nurse (RN) license - Arkansas or Compact State

Recommended Certifications:

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) - International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners

Description:

1. Provides comprehensive assessment of the mother/infant dyad and the breastfeeding/lactation process. Assesses the lactation status of the mother/infant dyad.

2. Communicates assessments with the appropriate medical personnel through verbal reports and documentation in the patient's record. Assesses education needs of mothers.

3. Participates in the identification of mothers within the system who need assistance and/or breastfeeding education.

4. Develops plan of care with nursing, nutrition and the medical staff for mother/infant dyad, implements direct and indirect specialized patient care and evaluates the response to the treatment plan.

5. Participates actively with the interdisciplinary team on rounds, discharge planning, and Lactation Rounds.

6. Develops patient teaching plans on lactation and related issues.

7. Assists mothers who have problems breastfeeding. Provides education for mothers as needed on collecting, labeling, storing, transporting and delivering expressed breast milk while their infants are here in the hospital and when at home. Monitors progress of the breastfeeding mother/infant dyad and revises treatment plan as needed in collaboration with the medical team.

8. Participates in the quality improvement plan for the lactation service.

9. Assists the director with developing and maintaining policies and procedures for the Lactation Service. Assists the director with the development of the quality improvement (QI) plan for the Lactation Service. Collaborates with the Nutritional Services Director, Dieticians, and lactation technicians.

10. Identifies issues, communicates and collaborates effectively with other team members to find resolution.

11. Serves as an educational resource and participates in research activities while maintaining own level of clinical competency.

12. Contributes to the lactation learning needs of the nursing staff, medical residents, house staff and other hospital personnel as needed. Contributes to the breastfeeding education of the community as needed.

13. Initiates and/or assists in research projects specific to lactation. Participates in lactation continuing education activities for own professional growth. Participates in at least 12 inservice education activities per year.