Lactation Consultant RN I-IV - PRN

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) is a non-profit Tribal health organization dedicated to meeting the unique health needs of Alaska Native and American Indian people. In partnership with the more than 171,000 Alaska Native and American Indian people served, ANTHC provides comprehensive medical services, wellness programs, disease research and prevention, rural provider training, and rural water and sanitation systems construction. As the largest, most comprehensive Tribal health organization in the U.S., ANTHC employs over 3,100 people and offers health services across Alaska.

About the role

Under general supervision, the Lactation Consultant RN provides safe, family-centered, culturally appropriate patient care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating lactation plans for the breastfeeding/chest-feeding dyad and the pumping parent. This role involves collaborating with patients and healthcare teams to develop feeding plans for infants ranging from normal newborns to complex neonates, demonstrating specialized knowledge in breastfeeding/chest-feeding and human lactation. The Lactation Consultant RN functions within the Scope of Practice defined by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and adheres to ANTHC and Alaska Native Medical Center policies.

Responsibilities

• Provides lactation support and services, including management, care planning, education, and instruction for the breastfeeding/chest-feeding dyad.
• Communicates effectively with patients, families, physicians, and coworkers, advocating for the nursing dyad.
• Performs inpatient consultations, telephone triage, and prenatal education as appropriate.
• Uses current evidence to develop feeding plans addressing individual feeding issues while respecting family goals.
• Assesses breastfeeding adequacy and provides necessary interventions.
• Assists parents of infants who cannot breastfeed in establishing and maintaining a milk supply and proper milk storage.
• Evaluates and documents patient responses to care, initiating independent or collaborative changes as needed.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team and outpatient Lactation Consultant to ensure continuity of care upon discharge.
• Teaches, coaches, supports, and mentors nursing staff and other healthcare learners to promote evidence-based clinical practice and breastfeeding skills.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing (or equivalent knowledge, experience, education, or training).
• 30 hours of continuing education in nursing every 2 years, with 16 hours in the specific area of practice.
• Current Registered Nurse license in the State of Alaska.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Current International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification.
• Current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Two or more years of nursing experience.
• NICU experience.
• National certification in a relevant specialty.

Skills

• Knowledge of breastfeeding/chest-feeding, human lactation, and IBLCE Scope of Practice.
• Knowledge of nursing science, principles, techniques, and procedures for patient care.
• Understanding of healthcare terminology, anatomy, physiology, and disease concepts.
• Ability to utilize evidence-based practice for care planning and interventions.
• Familiarity with hospital environments and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Critical thinking and ability to assess and prioritize patient needs.
• Proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Knowledge of Alaska Tribal Health System, ANTHC, and Alaska Native culture(s).
• Computer skills for documentation and communication.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Benefits

• Medical insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program with over 20 plans and tiers.
• Cost-share dental and vision insurance.
• Discounted pet insurance.
• Retirement contributions with pre-tax or Roth options into a 403(b).
• 401(a) ANTHC Retirement Plan with employer matching contributions of up to 5% after one year, plus potential annual discretionary contributions of up to 3%.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) starting immediately, accruing up to 6 hours per pay period, increasing with years of service.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave or miscarriage/stillbirth eligibility after six months of employment.
• Basic short/long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and life insurance covered 100% by ANTHC, with optional buy-up coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Ancillary cash benefits for accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness.
• On-site child care facility with expert-designed classrooms for early child development and preschool.
• Employee Assistance Program with support for grief, financial counseling, mental/emotional health, and discounted legal advice.
• Tuition discounts for employees and eligible dependents at Alaska Pacific University.
• On-site training courses and professional development opportunities.
• License and certification reimbursements and occupational insurance for medical staff.
• Emergency travel assistance.
• Education assistance or education leave eligibility.
• Discount program for travel, gym memberships, amusement parks, and more.