RN, Registered Nurse Lactation Consultant -Lactation

Description

Summary : The Registered Nurse

Lactation Counselor provides expert lactation support and education

to breastfeeding mothers and infants, utilizing the nursing process

to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care. This

role involves providing in-person consultations, telephone

follow-ups, and outpatient services to address lactation

challenges, enhance breastfeeding success, and ensure mothers and

infants receive optimal care. The Lactation Counselor works closely

with lactation consultants, physicians, nursing staff, and other

healthcare providers to coordinate care, provide education, and

ensure continuity of lactation support after discharge. The role

also includes patient education, staff training, and promotion of

lactation resources.

Responsibilities : Meets

expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies : Leader of

Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.

Patient Education and Counseling :

Educate mothers and families about proper

breastfeeding techniques, infant feeding cues, and the benefits of

breastfeeding.

Develop and implement

personalized care plans that support breastfeeding success.

Provide emotional support and encouragement

to empower families to meet their breastfeeding goals.

Document all interactions, assessments, and

care provided in accordance with hospital policies and patient

privacy regulations.

Offer timely and

responsive assistance to mothers requiring follow-up care, ensuring

they feel supported in their breastfeeding journey.

Collaboration and Coordination of Care :

Collaborate with physicians,

nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless

continuity of care for breastfeeding families.

Communicate and coordinate effectively with

hospital staff to ensure lactation needs are addressed during

hospital stays and post-discharge.

Follow up

with patients to monitor progress, address any concerns, and adjust

care plans as needed.

Outpatient

Lactation Support : Provide

individualized lactation support to mothers and infants through

outpatient follow-up, including in-person visits and telephone

consultations.

Assess breastfeeding

techniques, infant latch, milk supply, and overall breastfeeding

goals.

Address common lactation challenges,

including sore nipples, low milk supply, latch issues, and

breastfeeding pain, using evidence-based strategies.

Provide guidance and support for mothers and

infants experiencing more complex issues.

Training and Education for Staff :

Assist in the training and education of

hospital staff, including nurses and other healthcare providers, to

ensure accurate and consistent lactation information is provided to

patients.

Promote best practices in lactation

care across the hospital through in-service training and

educational resources.

Program

Development and Improvement :

Contribute to the development and improvement of lactation

services, ensuring they align with current evidence-based

guidelines.

Participate in quality

improvement initiatives and audits to enhance patient outcomes and

satisfaction.

Additional

Responsibilities : Meets

duties as assigned.

Job

Requirements : Education / Skills

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required

Bachelor’s degree in nursing or related field preferred

Experience

In hospital experience preferred

Outpatient follow-up care experience

preferred

In-depth knowledge of lactation

practices, breastfeeding management, and maternal-infant health

required

Must have strong clinical assessment

and critical thinking skills to address patient needs effectively

Excellent communication, counseling, and

interpersonal skills required

Must be able to

work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and support

diverse patient populations

Strong

organizational and documentation skills needed

Licenses, Registrations, or

Certifications

RN

License in the state of employment or compact required

IBCLC (International Board-Certified

Lactation Consultant) certification required

BLS (Basic Life Support) required.

In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification, and

Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to

obtain the required certifications for their respective positions

within the designated time frame.

Work

Schedule : MULTIPLE SHIFTS

AVAILABLE

Work Type : Part Time