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Valley Medical Center

Lactation Consultant

Valley Medical Center, Renton, Washington, United States, 98055


Job Description

Lactation Services

The position description is a guide to the critical duties and essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands and work environment conditions. Position descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization.

TITLE: Lactation Consultant

JOB OVERVIEW: The Lactation Consultant is responsible for providing safe, family centered patient care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating lactation plans for the mother-infant breastfeeding dyad, as well as for the pumping mother, and is fully collaborative with the mother, patient, patient's family, significant others, and members of the health care team. The Lactation Consultant demonstrates specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation. As an integral member of the Health Care Team, the Lactation Consultant 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 Valley Medical Center's policies, procedures, and guidelines of care.

AREA OF ASSIGNMENT: Lactation Services

HOURS OF WORK: Variable

RESPONSIBLE TO: Unit Manager

PREREQUISITES:

* Current Washington State nursing license.

* Current certification as an International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Certified Lactation Educator.

* Current Health Care Provider level CPR

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Experience in the Maternal-Child Health setting

* Understanding of adult learning principles.

UNIQUE PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENT AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

See generic job description for Clinical Partner.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Generic Job Functions: See generic job description for Clinical Partner.

B. Essential Responsibilities and Competencies

* Providing safe, family centered patient care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating lactation plans for the mother-infant breastfeeding dyad, as well as for the pumping mother, and is fully collaborative with the mother, patient, patient's family, significant others, and members of the health care team.

* Conducts inpatient bedside lactation rounds daily.

* Provides follow-up outpatient and phone services as required.

* Make appropriate referrals to physicians, community breastfeeding support groups and other supportive services as available.

* Develop, implement and evaluate breastfeeding education programs for nursing staff, patient and family both prenatally and postpartum.

* Develops strategies and maintains statistics to sustain the Baby Friendly Hospital designation.

* Assist the department leadership team and perinatal nurse educator in reviewing and evaluating breastfeeding patient teaching aids and lactation equipment.

* Document nursing care in compliance with policies procedures and practices established by the hospital.

* Document nursing care in compliance with policies procedures and practices established by the hospital.

* h physicians and nursing staff regarding the establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding protocols/standards within the hospital/clinic setting.

* Serve as a resource person to other Valley Medical staff regarding lactation.

* Develops and maintains clinical and professional skills and knowledge regarding lactation through formal and independent learning.

* Acts as an advocate for breastfeeding in the community, workplace, and within the health care professions.

Revised: 3/19

Grade: SEIURNWAGE

FLSA: NE

CC: 7008

Job Qualifications:

PREREQUISITES:

* Current Washington State nursing license.

* Current certification as an International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Certified Lactation Educator.

* Current Health Care Provider level CPR

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Experience in the Maternal-Child Health setting

* Understanding of adult learning principles.