RN- Lactation Consultant (FT- 0.9 FTE, Day Shift)

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse Lactation Consultant provides expert breastfeeding support, education, and counseling to mothers, babies, and families, addressing issues such as latch, milk supply, and feeding techniques. They collaborate with healthcare providers to promote breastfeeding-friendly practices while staying informed on current research to ensure evidence-based care.

About the Role

Working in hospitals, clinics, or private settings, they offer individual consultations, teach classes, and provide ongoing guidance to support successful breastfeeding experiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group lactation support services, including prenatal education, in-hospital visits, postpartum home visits, and follow-up support via phone and email.
• Assess and document maternal and infant health, as well as breastfeeding goals, to tailor care plans and ensure successful breastfeeding practices.
• Offer breastfeeding education and counseling to healthcare providers, families, and the community to promote informed decisions and support breastfeeding initiatives.
• Identifies clients in need of additional resources and refer them to appropriate community services to enhance overall care.
• Develops and leads breastfeeding classes and workshops to educate and empower families and healthcare providers.
• Promote breastfeeding-friendly practices by maintaining best practices, integrating research findings, and participating in quality improvement and research initiatives.
• Demonstrate leadership and professionalism through continuous learning, self-evaluation, and adherence to ethical standards, nursing regulations, and current clinical guidelines.
• Foster a safe, health-promoting environment by applying strategies that support wellness and uphold high standards of nursing and lactation care.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications: Required Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Current Montana Licensure (Registered Nurse). Current American Heart Association BLS. IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) certification or Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) certification. Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification required within six (6) months of hire; recertification required every two (2) years. Three (3) years of clinical experience in maternal/child nursing, with a focus on lactation support. Experience in teaching, communication, and counseling.
• Preferred: Affiliation with professional nursing and lactation organizations. Knowledge of cultural and socioeconomic factors that may impact breastfeeding practices.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of current research and evidence-based practice in lactation support.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet multiple deadlines.
• Continuous learning and self-evaluation to stay updated with best practices and research.

Skills

• Sound judgment, patience, and professional demeanor.
• Tact, discretion, sensitivity, and confidentiality.
• Patience and ability to work in a busy and stressful environment.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt to various settings and populations.

Benefits

This role offers competitive compensation and benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Schedule

This role requires regular and sustained attendance. The position may necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts. On-call work may be required to respond promptly to organizational, patient, or employee needs.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting (Repeatedly – 50 pounds).
• Sit (Occasionally).
• Stand (Repeatedly).
• Walk (Repeatedly).
• Climb (Rarely).
• Twist/Bend/Stoop/Kneel (Repeatedly).
• Reach Above Shoulder Level (Repeatedly).
• Push/Pull (Repeatedly).
• Fine-Finger Movements (Continuously).
• Vision (Continuously).
• Cognitive Skills (Continuously).
• Exposures (Continuously): Bloodborne pathogens, radiation, various chemicals and medications, infectious diseases, emotionally challenging situations.

Emotional Challenges

• Dealing with distressed patients or difficult family interactions.