Lactation Consultant

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Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work.

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Summary Functions to enhance the normal process of lactation and prevents, assesses, and manages lactation problems in the in-patient setting. Focuses on the needs and concerns of the breastfeeding mother and infant(s) and advocates for the breastfeeding family in preventing, recognizing, and resolving breastfeeding difficulties while promoting improved breastfeeding outcomes.

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; adheres to policies, procedures, and guidelines of care.

Job Duties Orients new nursing staff to the newborn feeding policy and practice guidelines.

Consults with an interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of breastfeeding protocols.

Provides assistance via telephone to pregnant and lactating women requiring information, counseling, and follow-up.

Provides breastfeeding assessment, support, and counseling in routine and high risk, complicated, clinical situations for the breastfeeding family in obstetrical and pediatric areas.

Serves as a clinical expert and consultant in the care of the breastfeeding family.

Assists in developing policies and procedures related to breastfeeding.

Plans, teaches, and conducts in-service education for maternal child health and nursing staff providers.

Reviews and maintains files of current research and literature and serves as a resource person to health care providers and breastfeeding families.

Minimum Qualifications

Specialized Diploma RN 3 years of experience in lactation counseling. Ability to perform assessments and nursing functions as acquired in a basic nursing preparation program.

Creates an environment that promotes learning for staff and families.

Participates appropriately in communication and decision making activities.

Knowledge of adult learning principles.

Knowledge of consulting methods, tools, and techniques.

Plans, teaches, and conducts education for healthcare providers.

Plans, organizes, and delivers lactation management services to breastfeeding families.

Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and coworkers being an advocate for the families.

Ability to evaluate families response to care and initiate independent and/or collaborative changes where appropriate. American Heart Association Basic Life Support - State of Pennsylvania

Upon Hire

IBCLC-Intl Board Cert Lactation Consultant - State of Pennsylvania

within 180 Days

RN - Licensed Registered Nurse_PA - State of Pennsylvania

Upon Hire

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree Nursing NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Program - State of Pennsylvania

within 1 Year

Physical Demands Lift and carry 40-50 lbs.

Examples:

Push/pull patients on bed, stretcher (requires 29 lbs. push force), lateral transfers up to 50 lbs. of the patient's weight. Frequent to continuous standing/walking. Patient transporters can walk 8-10 miles per shift. *Patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR.

Job Description Disclaimer:

This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities.

Lehigh Valley Health Network does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Agencies should not forward resumes to our job aliases, our employees or any other organization location. Lehigh Valley Health Network is not responsible for any agency fees related to unsolicited resumes.