Coordinator Lactation Services

Good Shepherd Hospital

Full Time Days

To lead lactation services coordinating the program utilizing evidence based practice through ongoing evaluation, research and development. Serves as a registered nurse (RN) lactation consultant as the hospital's expert resource on human lactation. To develop and implement lactation education for all breastfeeding families, the community, and the healthcare team.

Major Responsibilities:

• Front Line Leader
  • 1)Drives associate engagement
  • 2)Ongoing direct report goal setting and evaluations
  • 3)Coordinates lactation team schedule
  • 4)Makes decisions regarding staffing, use of overtime premium pay, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and budget.
  • 5)Participates in Leadership Development Institute activities and trainings as assigned.
  • 6)Representation at site and system levels and in the community.
  • 7)Participates in interviewing, competency assessments of staff, and provides input to performance reviews of staff.
• Lactation Management
  • 1)Ongoing evaluation of census, acuity, and unit needs to coordinate lactation services.
  • 2)Lead resource for problem solving to ensure lactation standards of practice.
  • 3)Consults with the health care team to develop and implement lactation plans of care.
  • 4)Serves as a liaison and/or facilitator between the provider, community and hospital providing ongoing expertise, education and support to groups and individuals.
  • 5)Work with health care team to achieve Key Result Area (KRA) goals.
  • 6)Provides direct lactation care as needed.
  • 7)Coordination of donor milk and milk depot programs.
  • 8)Coordination of pump rental station and/or lactation supply sales.
  • 9)Facilitates outpatient lactation program.
• Education
  • 1)Develops education for mothers and families in correct lactation management.
  • 2)Develops and implements ongoing lactation educational programs for the healthcare team.
  • 3)Collaborates with Perinatal Education to provide evidence based information to expectant families in the community.
  • 4)Maintains a record of educational programs, content, and attendance.
  • 5)Facilitates expert lactation representation in the community.
• Process Improvement
  • 1)Lactation program development and implementation.
  • 2)Represents Lactation on the appropriate shared governance committees with issues relating to lactation.
  • 3)Develops policies, procedures, algorithms and guidelines specific to lactation practice at site and system levels.
  • 4)Identifies, monitors and evaluates quality and safety issues related to practice
  • 5)Maintains phone consultation system for lactation questions and problems.
  • 6)Represents the lactation department at unit/system/community meetings.
  • 7)Facilitates compliance to maintain site and system lactation related designations and certifications.
• Evidence Based Practice
  • 1)Responsible for researching areas for improvement, revision, and advancement in lactation and nursing.
  • 2)Participates in lactation research projects.
  • 3)Utilizes research findings as a basis for directing change within lactation and nursing practices.
  • 4)Pursues continuing education relevant to leadership and lactation consultant practice including reading current professional journals, participating in workshops, seminars, in-service programs, conferences, accredited courses, and professional organizations.

Licensure:

• Nurse, Registered (RN)

Education/Experience Required:

• BSN required 4 years minimum experience in Lactation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Ability to lead a team Global perspective of changing health care environment. Ability to prioritize work. Basic computer skills. Effective interpersonal communication skills. Utilization of critical thinking in timely decision-making. Able to collaborate as a member of the health care team. Knowledge of lactation equipment and supplies.
• Current RN license in Illinois Certified as International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) CPR certified NRP certification as required by site

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Facilitation of lactation program in a multidisciplinary environment. Flexible hours according to customer needs. Ability to demonstrate a commitment to patient-focused care. Ability to prioritize independently and respond to multiple simultaneous requests. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints and in difficult situations. May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases. Ability to perform lifting/transfer activities related to patients (up to 30 lbs. may be required). This position needs to recognize needs and behaviors of specific age groups and cultures of patients treated.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.