RN-LACTATION EDUCATOR

JOB SUMMARY : The Clinical Educator / Lactation Counselor serves as a unit based educator, learning facilitator, change agent, collaborator, leader, communicator, advisor, mentor, researcher and consultant to assigned unit(s) and other areas within the health system as deemed necessary. This person ensures optimal patient outcomes through clinical and professional leadership and role-modeling, coaching, consultation, collaboration, education, and quality improvement initiatives.

The Clinical Educator / Lactation Counselor will be an educational resource for staff in collaboration with the Director of Obstetrics. This person will employ evidence-based educational activities and programs for staff and patients, evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of educational activities and programs, oversee initial and ongoing competency progress, maintain documentation for academic records, perform other education-related assignments, and assist with quality improvement initiatives as directed by the Director of Obstetrics. Application of adult learning principles and various teaching and learning styles must be evident in all educational activities and programs. This person will know how to communicate and interact with individuals of all age groups while being sensitive to their cultural and religious beliefs and generational differences. In addition to staff and patient education, this person will conduct needs assessments of mothers and infants for breastfeeding complications and / or knowledge deficits and provide counseling, education, and resources to these mothers.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS : Includes the following expectations and any other duties as assigned.

• Champions the development and growth of safety culture.
• Participates in all competencies planned for the job role before deadlines.
• Complies with the departmental and facility policy.
• Follows the policies in the Employee Handbook.
• Uses "We Care" philosophy in daily communication
• Required the appropriate use of the department's communication app.
• The spreading of rumors and gossip creates unnecessary turmoil, weakens working relationships, and is contrary to the spirit of the hospital, and is prohibited. Demonstrates effective teaching and presentation skills
• Displays excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrates ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Windows efficiently.
• Analyzes issues, trends, and supporting data to determine the educational needs of individuals, units, and organizations.
• Collects data and information to validate an identified professional practice gap and determine the specific knowledge, skill, or practice deficit or opportunity.
• Identifies desired outcomes of an educational program / plan.
• Establishes a plan that explains the strategies, timeline, and resources needed to achieve the program's expected outcomes.
• Prepares and implements plan efficiently, timely, and professionally.
• Coordinates educational activities and initiatives, as deemed necessary.
• Facilitates positive learning and practice environments.
• Serves as a role model by demonstrating positive team behaviors and encouraging staff self-development.
• Behaviors and interactions demonstrate a positive attitude, personal initiative, and motivation to achieve the department's goals.
• Serve as a consultant in hospital initiatives, quality improvement projects, and other areas where opportunity for change exist.
• Collaborates with the inter-professional teams, leaders, and others to facilitate nursing practice and positive outcomes.
• Maintains expertise in area of service.
• Completes and maintains educational records per Education and Hospital Policy and ANCC Approved Provider criteria.
• Ensures confidentiality of employee performance and records.
• Maintains a flexible work schedule to be available and visible to all staff / shifts.
• Coordinates and delivers training and education to appropriate staff related to improving the culture of safety.
• Assess breastfeeding using a multi-faceted approach.
• Use counseling skills and techniques that are supportive to breastfeeding mothers and babies.
• Construct and maintain conditions that predispose mothers and babies to an uncomplicated breastfeeding experience through counseling, education, and support.
• Assess for, monitor, and evaluate physical, behavioral, cultural, and social conditions that predispose mothers and babies to a complex breastfeeding experience.
• Identify and advocate for aspects of breastfeeding management programs that facilitate optimal health outcomes.
• Work to increase breastfeeding rates and advocate for societal change in attitudes and behavior regarding breastfeeding.
• Identify medical problems or other common barriers to successful breastfeeding.
• Establish rapport with and motivate individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education / Skills : A bachelor's degree in Nursing from an accredited non-online institution is preferred, or enrollment and completion within three years of the hire date is required. A master's degree in nursing or adult education is preferred.

Work Experience : At least two years of clinical nursing experience is required. Experience in women's and children's health is preferred.

Certification / Licensure- DUE UPON HIRE

Additional Certification / Licensure obtained based on the required timeframe below

MENTAL DEMANDS : Frequent periods of concentration required with attention to detail.

Opportunity for diversification of tasks.