Lactation Consultant

About the Role

Provides lactation support, education, and assistance to mothers and families. Initiates and maintains regular contact with mothers throughout the baby's hospital stay to help support their breastfeeding experience. Provides post-discharge outpatient care and services through coordination with Family Resource Center and Outpatient Lactation Services. Serves as a clinical and education resource related to lactation for hospital co-workers. Works closely with staff to facilitate provisions of lactation support services and education throughout Mercy. Represents Mercy at community activities, outreach, and educational programs.

Must have flexibility in scheduling to assure required contact with patients. Awareness of direct patient care activities for neonatal age groups to include assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Coordinates patient care activities with nursing and ancillary departments to optimize patient care and comfort.

Functions within the scope of nursing preparation and consistent with the established guidelines of nursing practice, the goals of Mercy, the philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy, the Missouri Nurse Practice Act, the Code of Professional and Business Ethics, and the Employee Code of Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Provide lactation support, education, and assistance to mothers and families.
• Initiate and maintain regular contact with mothers during their hospital stay.
• Provide post-discharge outpatient care through coordination with Family Resource Center and Outpatient Lactation Services.
• Serve as a clinical and educational resource on lactation for hospital co-workers.
• Work closely with staff to facilitate lactation support services and education throughout Mercy.
• Represent Mercy at community activities, outreach, and educational programs.
• Coordinate patient care activities with nursing and ancillary departments.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved nursing education program.
• Current RN licensure with the State Board of Nursing or current RN temporary work permit.
• Certification as a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) must be obtained within two years of date of hire or transfer.
• Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification or completion within probation period.

Skills & Qualifications

• Demonstrated clinical expertise in area of responsibility.
• Strong interpersonal relations and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and be flexible in routines.
• Must stand and walk most of the time on duty and meet unit-specific physical demands.

Schedule

Flexibility in scheduling required to assure contact with patients. May work rotating weekends and some evening shifts in the Family Resource Center.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition support.
• Matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Preferred Qualifications

• BSN preferred.
• Experience in mother/baby care preferred.