Lactation Specialist

The Lactation Specialist is a professional who provides education and guidance for staff and families on basic breastfeeding issues. This requires a self-directed individual who will operate within the mission statement of Virginia Hospital Center. Additional responsibilities include educating patients who plan to breastfeed and monitoring all infants at risk for delayed breastfeeding. Other responsibilities include staff education, departmental policy and procedure development and evaluation, and participation in continuing education activities. This description is intended to reflect major responsibilities of this position but is not intended to describe minor duties and other responsibilities. Major responsibilities include development and coordination of lactation-related department goals, education of the medical and nursing staff and patients, and documentation of breastfeeding assessment and progress in the patient record. Regular attendance and participation in departmental committees as the breastfeeding liaison and on medical staff rounds, as applicable, will be included.Education:An associate degree or bachelor's degree in a related field is required.Experience:One year of clinical experience in Women and Infant is preferred.Certification/Licensure:Completed Pathway 3 internship required.Submitted request to take International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) exam required.Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Virginia Department of Health Professions or compact state licensure in nursing is preferred.Other Qualifications:Must work under the supervision of an IBCLC or an RN with breastfeeding experience until IBCLC certification is received.Must successfully pass IBCLC exam within 7 months of exam submission deadline.

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