Job Overview

The RN Lactation Consultant serves as a clinical resource for breastfeeding patients, staff and providers.  The RN Lactation Consultant will function as an expert in the field of breastfeeding.  Responsibilities include consultation, education, research.  The RN Lactation Consultant’s role will encompass the following areas:  clinical practice, collaboration and consultation, and staff education, which is supported by evidence-based practice.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

2. Registered Nurse (RN) license. 

3. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. 

4. Two (2) years of experience as a RN Lactation Consultant

5. Current Certification as a Lactation Consultant

Preferred Qualifications:

1. International Board of Lactation Consultant certification

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1.Serves as a clinical resource, consultant, and role model for staff providing breastfeeding support and education.

2.Participates in the development of new policies and guidelines that align with the strategic vision of TMC.

3.Provides breastfeeding support and expertise as needed in all departments.

4.Uses excellent clinical skills to provide ongoing assessment and evaluation of breastfeeding support and education awareness.

5.Participates in QI projects on a unit and/or hospital level using quality outcome indicators as it relates to evidence-based practice.

6.Collaborates/consults with affiliates in analysis of breastfeeding supplies and equipment and evaluates the impact of supply and equipment changes on the environment of care.

7.Consults with other members of the health care team on patient care, staff development, and practice issues.

8.Collaborates on a interdisciplinary basis to develop protocols, policies and procedures, and practice guidelines.

9.Collaborates with primary and associate nurses as well as other members of the health care team related to the patient plan of care.

10.Critiques the lactation research literature and assess potential for use in clinical practice.

11.Cultivates and develops an evidenced based culture of lifelong learning with the engagement of staff through a Journal Club supporting best lactation practices.

12.Participates in nursing research activities.

13.Demonstrates breast feeding skill in patient care in the area of breastfeeding.

14.Demonstrates breastfeeding competency in both formal/informal teaching environments.

15.Has demonstrated quality in clinical performance as evidenced by creativity in problem solving, risk taking, and interdisciplinary communication skills.

16.Provides age-appropriate communication and education.

17.Understands and interprets the ageing process and it’s effect on breastfeeding.

18.Demonstrates understanding of impact concerning infant’s maturity on the breastfeeding process.

19. Assists the onboarding of new staff as relates to breastfeeding support in the perinatal environments

Physical Requirements:

1.Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking

2.Considerable reaching stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching

3.Frequent exposure to sick patients, bodily substances, noise

4.Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances

5.Subject to varying and unpredictable situations

6.Handle emergency a crisis situation

Skills & Abilities:

1. Possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process. 

2. Ability to provide care for a designated group of patients according to unit guidelines and hospital policies, procedures and protocols. 

3. Has the skills and knowledge to provide care to the age groups of the population served including: Knowledge of growth and development; Ability to interpret age specific data and response to care; and Provide age-appropriate communication.