RN - Lactation Consultant

Job Title : Registered Nurse - Lactation Consultant

Classification : Hourly / Non-Exempt

Job Category : 2 Professionals

Job Summary :

The Lactation Consultant is responsible for providing safe, family-centered patient care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating lactation plans for the breastfeeding dyad, as well as for the pumping parent, and is fully collaborative with the patient, patient's family, significant others, and members of the health care team during the immediate postpartum period. The Lactation Consultant demonstrates specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation. As an integral member of the Health Care Team, the Lactation Consultant 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, and adheres to policies, procedures, and guidelines of care.

Essential Functions :

• Meets RN job description
• Assesses every woman who has delivered a newborn, offering lactation support, assessing lactation needs by obtaining medical histories, examining patients, and gathering information about the baby and family setting.
• Analyzes and documents physical, psychological, and social factors in developing an individualized plan of care. Communicates the plan of care and all pertinent information to other members of the health care team to provide coordinated patient treatment. Keeps accurate medical records and updates nursing care whenever conditions, needs, or goals of the patient change.
• May consult with the Provider for further assessment; coordinate with other IBCLC's, Continuing Care services, or hospital staff.
• Teaches lactation instruction to other health care professionals and monitors the proper performance of their training to patients.
• Teaches group prenatal newborn care and lactation classes.
• Communicates activities and problems with department clinical coordinators and Women's and Children Unit Director
• Assist with development and updating lactation protocols in collaboration with the heath care team of physicians and clinical coordinator.
• Cooperates with continuity of care coordinators regarding risk management, quality management, utilization management, and infection control issues.
• Understands and adheres to Joint Commission standards as they apply to the nursing profession.
• Performs duties of clinical nurse in assigned setting when necessary
• Responsible for performing outpatient hearing exams on newborns.
• Collect breastfeeding data and present to the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee.
• Represents the IBCLC program in facility and regional committees and initiatives.
• Manages DME breast pumps.

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