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

About the role

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. 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.
• Identify clients in need of additional resources and refer them to appropriate community services to enhance overall care.
• Develop and lead 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.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
• Current Montana Licensed Registered Nurse (RN).
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) certification or Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) certification.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification within six (6) months of hire; recertification 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.

Physical requirements: lifting repeatedly up to 50 pounds; sitting occasionally; standing repeatedly; walking repeatedly; climbing rarely; twisting/bending/stooping/kneeling repeatedly; reaching above shoulder level repeatedly; pushing/pulling repeatedly; fine‑finger movements continuously; vision continuously; cognitive skills continuously; exposures continuously to bloodborne pathogens, radiation, chemicals/medications, cleaning products, infectious diseases, and emotionally challenging situations.

Qualifications

• Preferred affiliation with professional nursing and lactation organizations.
• Knowledge of cultural and socioeconomic factors that may impact breastfeeding practices.

Skills

• Demonstrate sound judgment, patience, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Exercise tact, discretion, sensitivity, and maintain confidentiality.
• Perform essential job functions successfully in a fast‑paced environment.
• Learn current and new computer applications and office equipment utilized at Bozeman Health.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Analyze, organize, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrate the Bozeman Health SPIRIT values: Service, People, Integrity, Respect, Improvement, and Teamwork.

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.