Lactation Consultant

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Serves as a lactation consultant in the Women & Family Education department within the WISH and Parkland Education department, in order to ensure that patients and their families receive proper education and training related to breastfeeding.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

• Education: Must be a graduate from an accredited school of nursing.
• Experience: Must have one (1) year of experience in maternal/infant health. Prefer experience in lactation consulting/breastfeeding instruction. Must have inpatient hospital experience.
• Certification/Registration/Licensure: Must have current RN license or valid temporary permit with the Texas Board of Nursing or valid Compact RN license. Employees in this position hired on or before 01/01/2023 are exempt from this requirement. Must have current healthcare provider CPR course completion card from one of the following: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Military Training Network. Must have current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification on hire or placement in role. Must obtain certification as an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) within 18 months of hire date or reclassification date and maintain certification.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitates the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding through one-on-one breastfeeding evaluation and assistance to mother and baby. Provides education on breastfeeding, breast care and related topics to patients and their families.
• Affords assistance with interventions for commonly occurring short-term breastfeeding problems. Assesses unusual breastfeeding situations or challenges and provides assistance or solutions for staff and patient.
• Teaches Breastfeeding, Childbirth Preparation and/or postpartum discharge classes to assist class participants in obtaining knowledge and skills related to pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and early parenting. Provides lactation discharge teaching instruction and refers patients for follow-up care as needed.
• Serves as a clinical resource to hospital staff on issues related to breastfeeding. Collaborates with unit staff on developing resolutions to patients' breastfeeding problems.
• Demonstrates proficiency in using breastfeeding management equipment and devices to assist patients with breastfeeding.
• Affords assistance with the development, implementation and evaluation of patient and family education materials and/or programs.
• Completes appropriate documentation. Maintains accurate and timely entries and notations in patient care records and hospital documents.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements and trends in Lactation Consulting by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals and actively participating in professional organizations. Maintains State of Texas Licensure as a Registered Nurse, plus certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact or govern assigned department. Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.
• Identifies ways to improve work process and improve patient and customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor and implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals and mission of the assigned area and Parkland.
• Serves on various interdisciplinary committees as assigned. Completes special projects as assigned.