Lactation Consultant

Summary

Reports to the Director, Patient Care Services. Responsibilities include providing lactation management services to expectant and new parents. Provides breast-feeding training sessions for expectant and new mothers. Also provides lactation management services to clients on an outpatient basis. Oversees the retail sale (or rental) of breast-feeding related equipment.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS
• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Provides lactation management services (in accordance with the Hospital's philosophy, policies/procedures and standards) to expectant and new parents by:
• Delivering lactation management services to all in-patient breast-feeding patients.
• Creating a milieu that promotes learning for Hospital staff and patients.
• Conducting bedside lactation rounds daily.
• Consulting with mothers who are having breast-feeding problems.
• Participating (as appropriate) in communication and decision-making activities for obstetrical services.
• Selecting appropriate breast-feeding related supplies for retail sale and for rental.
• Overseeing breast pump rentals and retail sales within the Department.
• Conducting quality assurance programs to monitor the caliber of the program; also completing required reports and records.
• Maintaining records and preparing various reports for the Director as required.
• Performing follow-up telephone consultations.
• Communicating with Physicians or Practitioners in regards to breast-feeding problems or issues.
• Referring new breast-feeding mothers to outside resources as needed for follow-up (WIC, private lactation consultants, support groups, etc.).

Oversees activities related to outpatient lactation management services by:
• Delivering lactation management services to outpatient breast-feeding mothers.
• Planning and organizing activities related to the lactation management services that are done on an outpatient basis.
• Consulting with mothers who are having breast-feeding problems after they have left the Hospital.
• Performing follow-up telephone consultations with post-delivery clients.
• Communicating with Physicians or Practitioners in regard to breast-feeding problems or issues.
• Serving as a resource to all Hospital staff regarding breast-feeding related topics or issues.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:
• Assisting with community outreach or other educational activities as requested.
• Completing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:
• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:
• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience
• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a nursing program. Maintaining a valid and current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Indiana is required. A minimum of two years of successful clinical experience in mother/child nursing (newborn intensive care included) is required. Current professional certification as a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is required or must be obtained within two years of hire.

Knowledge & Skills
• Requires in-depth knowledge of lactation principles and practices.
• Requires the ability to successfully teach breast-feeding skills to mothers. Also requires the ability to conduct educational programs for individuals and groups of various ages.
• Requires the ability to work effectively with a number of patient care units (Mother/Baby, NICU and Pediatrics) and various levels of care providers as needed.
• Requires a solid understanding of the Hospital's philosophy and standards as they relate to lactation management services.
• Requires the ability to interact effectively with individuals who may be under stress.
• Requires the ability to function independently as an outpatient educator.
• Demonstrates a good understanding of breast-feeding related outside resources.
• Demonstrates planning, organization and analytical skills.
• Requires the interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to interact with a diverse group of clients (and their families). Also requires the ability to speak in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively use audio-visual equipment and various teaching materials.

Working Conditions
• Works in a classroom and patient care environment requiring physical exertion, frequent changes in job demands, and certain undesirable patient care activities.
• May be exposed to bio-hazards.

Physical Demands
• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.