Lactation Consultant - Per Diem Tier(3)

Job Description Summary

Provides lactation consultation and educational services to breastfeeding families, nursing staff, midwives, and physicians. (Salary Range: $40.74-$82.53)

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1 - DOCUMENTATION / PLAN OF CARE / DISCHARGE PLANNING

   a - Identifies and documents patient/family/significant other teaching needs upon initial Lactation assessment and/or changes in patient condition.

   b - Evaluates that the identified problems, care provided, and patients' responses are reassessed in order to meet patient and family needs. Documents outcomes of interventions and follow-up plans of care according to policy/guidelines.

   c - Develops patient/family/significant other teaching and discharge plans and documents according to policy.

   d - Raises ethical questions and concerns with clinical team.  Seeks available resources to help formulate and understand ethical decisions.

   e - Works on behalf of patient/family.  Seeks help to represent patient/family when they are unable to represent themselves.

2 - CONSULTANT/CLINICAL EXPERT
In collaboration with providers and nursing staff, provides breastfeeding interventions to mothers and infants based upon patient needs identified by primary RN and/or caregiver.  Provides ongoing counseling for women who need breastfeeding aids and individualized instruction regarding breast feeding problems, breast pumping and storage of milk. Provides consulting services to discharged patients through the Lactation Clinic .

   a - *Rounds on every nursing mother at least once during her inpatient stay.

   b - *Communicates outcomes of interventions to nursing/provider staff who initiated consult.

   c - Functions as a resource person for questions concerning breast milk pumping and storage.

   d - Communicates with nurse managers regarding status of available breast feeding equipment.

   e - Performs as a group facilitator for the Breastfeeding Support Group offering objective professional support and communicates identified problems to provider.

   f - Refers patients to the clinic service appropriately. Identifies problems needing medical intervention and refers to appropriate providers.

   g - Instructs women on plans of action based upon their problem-list, incorporating standards of care and Maternity breast feeding protocol.

   h - *Accesses "Warmline" daily to identify outpatient needs for support/resource.

3 - PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
Shares in the responsibility for department’s operational excellence; ensures the department delivers quality services in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and professional standards.

   a - Assists in identifying and meeting the needs of breastfeeding women through survey administration and analysis of results for trends. Ensures program quality through provider and nursing feedback and ongoing client evaluations.

   b - Ensures services provided meet all applicable regulatory requirements.

   c - Maintains accurate departmental productivity measurements

   d - Assists in the establishment of unit/division/hospital policies and procedures that reflect the organization's standards, are evidence-based, and meet appropriate standards and guidelines

4 - TECHNOLOGY
Utilizes technological solutions to work processes and practices.

   a - * Access Lotus Notes to review e-mail, learning management and other resources as applicable to RN role.

   b - Utilizes all Meditech applications required by department and unit standards.  (PCS, Order Entry, EMR, etc.)

   c - Expertly uses and teaches use of appropriate biomedical equipment used in the clinical area.

5 - SAFETY AWARENESS
Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

   a - * Verifies patient identification with two identifiers prior to the administration of care, medications, labeled specimens and documents confirming the correct patient, procedure, site, equipment, and consent.

   b - *Complies with the current CDC hand hygiene guidelines through proper handwashing. Adheres to universal precautions, makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times and appropriately disposes of hazardous materials.  Maintains awareness of MSDS sheets and how to access.

   c - *Understands individual roles and responsibilities in the event of hospital codes/emergency preparedness. Ensures that unit environment meets regulatory requirements at all times (eg:  no cardboard boxes on the floor, safe passages).

   d - Practices patient hand off utilizing the principles of SBAR.

   e - Holds oneself and others accountable for meeting quality improvement/quality standards.

6 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Maintains current license/certification and knowledge of lactation requirements and competencies for all patient populations on the unit.  Assesses need for personal growth and development and takes the initiative to seek opportunities to meet identified needs.

   a - Active participant in unit based initiatives and/or hospital committees

   b - Functions in the role of preceptor for new staff members or mentor for nursing students.

   c - *Obtains at least 10 contact hours per year in area of practice.

   d - Utilizes critical thinking and problem solving in day to day operations as well as emergent situations as demonstrated through patient care, patient flow, and interpersonal skills.

   e - * Practices within the legal boundaries of MA Nurse practice Act.  Directs other licensed and non-licensed personnel as assigned.

   f - Works with others/patients/families/healthcare providers/community to promote health and wellness.

   g - Analyzes causes of problems, identifies and evaluates alternative solutions, and selects appropriate solution, and communicates appropriately and effectively utilizing chain of command.

   h - Assumes an active role in keeping informed about changes in hospital policy, procedure, and equipment.

7 - Compliance

   a - Works within legal, regulatory and ethical practice standards relevant to the position.

   b - Complies with applicable policies and procedures

   c - Safeguards the privacy and security of patient information.  The employee complies with policies and procedures relating to SSH’s privacy and security programs.

   d - Brings potential compliance issues to a manager, supervisor, director or VP.

   e - Complies with the mandatory education requirements of the compliance, privacy and security programs.

8 - Patient and Family Centered Care

   a - Conveys respect for values, preferences, and expressed needs of the patient and family.

   b - Communicates and collaborates effectively with patients, families to promote patient health and well-being. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing as validated through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing

Minimum Work Experience

Current OB experience preferred

Required Licenses / Registrations

RN - Registered Nurse

Required Certifications -

IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Required Classes/Skills -

BLS - Basic Life Support

OB ERT - Emergency Response Training - 2 Year Certificate in Emergency Response Training
NRP - Neonatal Response Program - 2 Year Certificate in Neonatal Response Program

Required additional Knowledge, and Abilities

Completion of Mother/Infant Unit orientation

Successful completion of consultant training process

Ability to communicate effectively and document information accurately

Ability to deal efficiently and effectively with a wide variety of individuals

Experience in teaching breastfeeding skills and counseling new mothers.