Lactation Consultant - Maternal Child Services - Per Diem Days

About the role

Hackensack Meridian Health nurses care for patients and their families at every stage of life, 24 hours a day, at bedsides in 9 community hospitals, 4 academic medical centers, a behavioral health hospital, 2 children's hospitals, 2 rehabilitation hospitals, medical offices, and care facilities across the state.

The Lactation Consultant provides assessment, intervention and education regarding breastfeeding to childbearing families choosing to breastfeed their infant children. Provide lactation consultation to childbearing families within all areas of the Hackensack Meridian Health Network. Communicates with professional staff regarding breastfeeding patients; document fully all teaching and interventions provided to breastfeeding families and assist with nursing staff competencies and physician education regarding breastfeeding.

Responsibilities

• Assesses the patient's understanding of signs of adequate milk transfer and ability to independently perform breastfeeding techniques; assesses the patient's understanding of inadequate infant nutrition or breastfeeding concerns and follow up assistance.
• Demonstrates age specific competencies that are pertinent to the clinical or non clinical position by applying appropriate knowledge of growth and developmental stages during direct patient interaction and interventions.
• Communicates essential breastfeeding skills and information to breastfeeding mothers and families utilizing verbal and written communication and demonstration.
• Makes follow up phone calls to breastfeeding patients within one week of discharge to assess breastfeeding outcomes and to address any concerns.
• Formulates age specific patient / family centered goals / outcomes based on assessment data.
• Establishes and coordinates a plan of care which is patient / family focused, prioritized and encompasses the continuum of care.
• Plans own work within allotted hours and manages time effectively to provide satisfactory patient contact regarding breastfeeding support and education.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

• Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
• - Associate's Degree.
• - A minimum of two years of experience as an OB nurse.
• - Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• - Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.
• Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:
• - Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Nursing.
• - Experience in lactation consultation in acute care, community or public health setting.
• Licenses and Certifications Required:
• - NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License.
• - AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.
• Licenses and Certifications Preferred:
• - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, required within 3 years of hire.