RN - Lactation Consultant - Part-time

Part-time position, 32 hours bi-weekly, including share of weekends and holidays.

About the Role

The Lactation Consultant provides education, support, and counseling to expectant and new parents on breastfeeding. This role involves phone consultations on breastfeeding concerns, independent patient care using the nursing process, and leadership and teaching duties that support effective patient care. The consultant supports and participates in continuous quality improvement activities while adhering to Frederick Health’s mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy.

Responsibilities

• Assesses biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational, and discharge planning needs of patients according to nursing standards.
• Uses knowledge and experience to identify patient needs and prioritize treatment.
• Recognizes and accurately documents subtle changes in patient assessment.
• Provides initial and reassessment of patients according to organizational and department standards.
• Anticipates potential changes in patient condition and responds appropriately.
• Ensures an effective plan of care for assigned patients based on nursing diagnosis and available resources.
• Efficiently organizes and prioritizes patient care, seeking assistance when necessary.
• Actively participates in developing standards of care according to departmental, organizational, professional, or regulatory standards.
• Implements and documents nursing interventions and patient response in compliance with hospital and nursing policies.
• Communicates pertinent information to patients and healthcare team members in a timely manner.
• Updates patient/family regarding status and changes in the plan of care.
• Demonstrates flexibility in patient assignments based on skill mix and patient care demands.
• Evaluates nursing care, including tools and equipment, and documents effectiveness of interventions.
• Reviews and evaluates new and existing equipment, policies, procedures, and programs.
• Collaborates with patient/family and healthcare team to revise treatment plans as needed.
• Identifies variances from expected outcomes and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Provides patient/family education by assessing learning needs, readiness, and barriers to learning.
• Establishes and implements teaching plans using standardized or individualized methods.
• Evaluates effectiveness of teaching and communicates progress to other healthcare disciplines.
• Integrates discharge planning and referral into the teaching process.
• Offers support to less experienced staff in patient/family teaching.
• Demonstrates professional expectations, including self-development and engagement in department efforts.
• Utilizes supplies, equipment, and technology to ensure quality patient care.
• Floats to other nursing units as requested.
• Demonstrates leadership and accountability, promoting positive professional behavior and communication.
• Encourages professional interactions among healthcare team members.
• Demonstrates effective delegation and precepting/mentoring skills.
• Adheres to program policies and participates in department orientation.
• Reviews quality assurance data for accuracy and completeness.
• Contributes to the evaluation/auditing process for peers and ancillary staff.
• Completes all hospital-wide and department-specific competencies.

Requirements

• Eligible for or currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland or a compact state.
• Associate’s degree in Nursing required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred or willingness to obtain within 5 years of employment.
• Certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Certified in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP).
• IBCLC certification required.
• Previous/current postpartum experience required.

Skills

• Clinical competency in lactation consulting and postpartum care.
• Ability to use technology and equipment to perform job duties.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proper use of body mechanics when handling patients, supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to handle a physically demanding environment.
• Skills and abilities to perform duties according to the age-specific patient population served.
• Ability to meet annual requirements of the Frederick Health Clinical Ladder.
• Ability to maintain patient and employee confidentiality.
• Competency in operating equipment required to meet patient care needs.

Physical Demands

• Medium-Heavy Work – Lifting up to 100 pounds infrequently and/or carrying up to 50 pounds while walking.
• Pushing or pulling up to 115 pounds infrequently or greater than 115 pounds occasionally.

Ergonomic risk factors include:

• Repetition: Repeating the same motion frequently.
• Forceful Exertion: Physical effort required for tasks such as moving patients.
• Awkward Posture: Repeated or prolonged reaching, twisting, bending, kneeling, squatting, or working overhead.
• Contact Stress: Pressure on the body from sharp edges or hard surfaces.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens (Category A – will have exposure to blood or body fluids).
• Exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and highly technical or heavy equipment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance (available after 30 days for employees working at least 20 hours per week).
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term income replacement, and long-term disability for eligible employees.
• Robust Paid Time Off program.
• 403B retirement plan with employer match for eligible employees.
• Free financial planning sessions.
• Educational assistance program to support education goals.
• Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program.

Pay

Pay is based on experience, skills, and education, with a range of $36.07 - $55.17 per hour. Part-time salary is pro-rated based on scheduled hours. Non-exempt positions may include shift differential and/or overtime pay, if applicable.