PerDiem/FlexChoice Clinical Nurse Lactation Consultant

JOB SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Director and in collaboration with the Clinical Nurse Specialist, the Lactation Consultant (LC) provides information, instruction, direct care, and support to lactating mothers and families. The LC provides in-depth, individual assistance to mothers and families experiencing issues associated with lactation and breastfeeding. The LC is responsible for providing education to staff including nursing staff, medical staff, all allied health staff and students. The clinical practice of the LC focuses on providing care and defining clinical management in collaboration with other members of the health care team and the parents. The LC participates in projects and develops/revises policies, education material, guidelines and education programs related to lactation issues. The LC provides leadership for clinical and administrative practice related to lactation care, support, and promotion, while being accountable for promoting the mission, vision, and goals of the organization at the departmental level.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND BEHAVIOR

LACTATION CONSULTATION: Evaluates the breastfeeding process and recommends strategies to optimize success.

In collaboration with the healthcare team and the Lactation Team Leader, the LC provides consultation to mothers/babies experiencing lactation problems.

The LC's consultative role extends to supporting other healthcare providers to develop their practices in support of the breastfeeding family.

Documents and communicates maternal-infant assessment, recommendations, and evidence based plan of care to the health care team.

Utilizes evidence based practices to plan, implement and evaluate care.

EDUCATION: Provides education to families and staff that support and optimize breastfeeding.

Provides evidence-based lactation education to families and staff

Provides education to nursing staff, medical staff, all allied health staff, and students on breastfeeding issues.

Reviews, revises and develops breastfeeding educational materials.

Provides instruction to families and staff on the operation and rental of breast pumps and other related breastfeeding products

POLICY/PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT: Collaborates with the health care team and Lactation Team Leader to maintain a lactation program that is based on the most current knowledge and evidenced based practice.

Utilizes current research in daily practice and updates policies/guidelines appropriately.

Facilitates policy changes and role models to others the need for evidence- based practice and improvements for optimal breastfeeding outcomes.

Utilizes Continuous Quality Improvement principles to perform ongoing evaluation of program operations and develops plans for enhancing quality including cost effectiveness.

ROLE DEVELOPMENT: Maintains and utilizes a current knowledge base in lactation, maternal-child and neonatal care.

Maintains responsibility for enhancing knowledge base by critically reviewing lactation literature and applying concepts to clinical practice.

Assumes responsibility for developing a plan to meet personal and lactation related knowledge-based education goals.

Meets and maintains requirements for mandatory nursing competencies per DHMC and unit policy.

Participates in educational activities and community-based lactation organizations to maintain certification and provide current evidence based care that is age appropriate, developmentally appropriate and case sensitive.

Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary members of the health care team and other lactation consultants

OTHER: Performs other related duties concerning lactation consultation as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
✔ Graduate from an accredited Nursing Program required.
✔ Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) with 1 year of experience.
✔ Associate Degree (ADN) prepared nurses with 2 years' experience.
* All Associate Degree (ADN) prepared nurses must commit to completing a BSN or higher nursing degree within 10 years of their hire date.
Required Licensure/Certification Skills:
✔ Licensed Registered Nurse in New Hampshire required.
✔ Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate required upon hire and as applicable, higher level per unit certification requirements as stated on the grid attached to the AHA and Life Support Policy
✔ ACLS Certificate required upon hire in Endoscopy, Tele-ICU, Day Surgery Center at CGP (Manchester), Life Safety and Cardiology-Echocardiography

Other Info

• Department: Lactation Services: D-H Lebanon-MHMH
• Schedule: Per Diem
• Shift: Day
• Order ID: 220002HP