Lead Lactation Consultant

Lead Lactation Consultant

Under the general direction of the Nurse Manager, the Lead Lactation Coordinator collaborates with other lactation consultants to provide patient care and education (parental, inpatient and outpatient), oversees regulatory processes related to human donor milk, and manages program and submissions related to the organization's Baby-Friendly designation.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities Includes the Following:

• Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies, and Behaviors.
• Plans, implements and evaluates the Lactation orientation and in-service programs for nursing, providers, and other staff on an on-going basis to assure appropriate documentation and skill competency.
• Organizes patient education classes and outpatient lactation resources.
• Ensures Human Donor Milk program is in alignment with regulatory agencies via documentation and compliance with established policies and procedures
• Directs baby-friendly initiative in partnership with WPH providers and administrators to ensure the compliance and maintenance of the designation
• Collects, analyzes, and disseminates data related to infant feeding and best practices.
• Provides direct patient care as a staff nurse as needed.
• 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
• Collaborates and communicates with the health care team
• Integrates patient rights into work practice
• Utilizes and monitors methods of Infection Control
• Develops and participates in Performance Improvement initiatives
• Completes competency requirements as well as CERP requirements to maintain IBCLC Certification
• Attends and participates in mandatory in- services.
• Attends and presents at staff meetings as required/requested
• Utilizes cost containment practices
• Adheres to all WPHC policies and procedures including dress code, code of conduct, customer service, attendance and submission of annual physicals
• Functions as a resource person regarding lactation issues, to hospital staff, physicians and patients
• 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, 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)
• BLS, 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, Judgement 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) database and may be accessed through the hospital's Intranet site (Employee Tools/SDS Access). A copy of the SDS database 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

• Neonatal (birth 28 days) - Patients with exceptional communication needs
• Infant (29 days less than 1 year) - x Patients with developmental delays
• x Pediatric (1 12 years) - Patients at end of life
• Adolescent (13 17 years) - Patients under isolation precautions
• x Adult (18 64 years) - x Patients with cultural needs
• Geriatric (> 65 years) - All populations
• x 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: $122,531-157,793 Based on FT employment