Lactation Consultant in Lincoln, Nebraska at Bryan Health

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Responsible for providing safe, family-centered lactation care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating lactation plans for the breastfeeding/chest-feeding dyad, as well as for the pumping and bottle-feeding parent, and is fully collaborative with the patient, patient’s family, significant others and members of the health care team. Demonstrates specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding/chest-feeding and human lactation.

As an integral member of the Health Care Team, functions within the Scope of Practice as defined by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and follows Standards of Practice as defined by their professional association, International Lactation Consultant Association, and adheres to policies, procedures, and guidelines of care.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

Provides lactation assessment, management, education and instruction for patients, patient families and medical care team members.

Collaborates with providers and patient care team members in the care of care of postpartum patients and NICU families who are breastfeeding/chest feeding as well as lactating families.

Assists patients with current challenges and potential problems and completes physician referrals as requested.

Advocates for the patient while communicating effectively with patients, families, providers and the medical care team members.

Evaluates patient's response to care and initiates independent and/or collaborative changes where appropriate.

Functions as a resource person for staff providing patient care and serves as a communication link between the patient and medical care staff.

Provides education to birthing persons and families about breastfeeding/chest feeding as well as all maternal child areas.

Functions as a clinical expert and educational resource for all staff and all shifts on this subject matter; evaluates skills and knowledge and provides feedback to staff and the Nurse Manager/Director.

Monitors new research for up-to-date evidence-based practice guidelines; promotes new practices and technology with staff and physicians.

Ensures cross-entity cooperation and resolution to strengthen evidence-based practice through collaboration with department leaders from Bryan Health System following NPQIC requirements.

Updates education materials, curriculum and competencies as identified.

Coordinates community health education programs for Women’s and Children’s health and participates in activities to build community awareness of provided educational offerings.

Standardizes care practices and measures outcomes of care to directly improve patient outcomes.

Reviews medical history and past breastfeeding/chest feeding experiences, discusses feeding patterns, assesses baby's suck and milk supply, assesses appropriate feedings and weight gain, and assists with a feeding.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk “*”. Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly distinct roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Maintains clinical competency as required for the unit including but not limited to age-specific competencies relative to patient’s growth and developmental needs, annual skill competency verification and mandatory education and competencies.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Ability to apply systems knowledge for implementation of process/projects.

4. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

5. Ability to apply adult learning principles and diverse teaching strategies.

6. Ability to assess knowledge gaps and develop content to close the gaps.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

8. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

9. Ability to appropriately work independently, take direction and collaborate with others.

10. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

11. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

12. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Current Registered Nurse licensure from the State of Nebraska or approved compact state as defined by the Nebraska Nurse Practice Act required.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.

IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) and STABLE required within one (1) year of hire.