Lactation Specialist (NICU)

This position is safety-sensitive and cannot be filled by a candidate who is a current user of medical marijuana. Flu vaccines are required.

About the Role

Functions independently as an expert practitioner, consultant, educator, and researcher within the lactation specialty. This individual possesses a high degree of knowledge, skill, and competence in providing care directly to patients, families, or the community, and indirectly through guidance of care by other personnel.

Responsibilities

• Provides comprehensive assessment of the mother/infant dyad and the breastfeeding/lactation process.
• Assesses the lactation status of the mother/infant dyad and communicates findings with appropriate medical personnel through verbal reports and documentation.
• Assesses education needs of mothers and identifies those within the system who need assistance and/or breastfeeding education.
• Develops and implements a plan of care with nursing, nutrition, and medical staff for the mother/infant dyad, evaluating responses to the treatment plan.
• Participates actively in interdisciplinary team rounds, discharge planning, and Lactation Rounds.
• Develops patient teaching plans on lactation and related issues.
• Assists mothers with breastfeeding problems and provides education on collecting, labeling, storing, transporting, and delivering expressed breast milk.
• Monitors progress of the breastfeeding mother/infant dyad and revises the treatment plan as needed in collaboration with the medical team.
• Participates in the quality improvement plan for the lactation service, including developing and maintaining policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with the Nutritional Services Director, Dieticians, and lactation technicians to resolve issues and improve care.
• Serves as an educational resource and participates in research activities while maintaining clinical competency.
• Contributes to the lactation learning needs of nursing staff, medical residents, house staff, and other hospital personnel.
• Provides breastfeeding education to the community as needed.
• Initiates and/or assists in research projects specific to lactation.
• Participates in lactation continuing education activities for professional growth, including at least 12 in-service education activities per year.

Requirements

• Associate's degree or 2 years of relevant experience.
• 1 year of experience in a related field.
• Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) – The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (TALPP.org).
• Registered Nurse (RN) license – Arkansas or Compact State.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (recommended).
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) – International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (recommended).

Schedule

Part-time.