Overview

The certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is an expert in the management of the breast-feeding mother-baby dyad, and promotes the practice of breastfeeding as the ideal method of infant feeding. S/he is coach, consultant, teacher, and lactation expert. As a consultant, s/he works collaboratively with the staff and providers within Women?s and Infant?s services as well as the community, to develop feeding plans for a range of infants from the normal newborn to the complex neonate. S/he makes clinical assessments, and uses current lactation theories and research to develop holistic, evidence-based breastfeeding support and feeding plans that address individual feeding issues. Acts as an educator, coach, counselor, community resource provider, and patient advocate. This position serves the following patient age categories: neonates, infants, adolescents, and adults.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates personal accountability and effective conflict resolution/negotiation skills. Demonstrates appropriate use of universal precautions and use of personal protective equipment. Maintains safe environment and responds appropriately to emergencies and safety hazards. Promotes a positive, supportive, and professional work environment free of disruptive behavior. Practices, in all professional relationships, with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and uniqueness of every individual. Follows Chain of Command for assistance with issues related to unresolved/problem-solving and/or conflict resolution. Provides, seeks and receives constructive feedback. Provides peer to peer feedback and seeks mediation as necessary. Facilitates building and preserving collaborative and respectful relationships. Demonstrates expertise in collaboration, negotiation, and conflict management. --------------------------------------------------Maintains certification as lactation consultant, and enhances the body of knowledge in lactation and breastfeeding through exchange of ideas and knowledge using methods such as posters, newsletters, presentations, and publications.--------------------------------------------------Participates in developing, implementing and evaluating patient education resources and programs. Assists with or leads evidence based breastfeeding classes and breastfeeding support groups. Assesses local community needs for breastfeeding education, and participates/teaches in programs to address needs. --------------------------------------------------Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of standards of practice, guidelines, policies, procedures, and protocols within area of lactation. Participates in the design, implementation and evaluation of programs and projects in lactation and breastfeeding to meet goals and objectives of Cone Health. --------------------------------------------------Provides lactation support and consultation services to breast- feeding mothers / infants by physician or nurse referral. Demonstrates participation in and accountability for the total program needs of the Lactation Consultation Services. Completes documentation for all inpatient, outpatient and follow up records according to guidelines. Meticulously completes all documentation of electric pump rentals and returns, and breastfeeding supply sales. Completes all daily records used for statistical records. Participates in a flexible schedule for the department which meets both patient and staffing needs.--------------------------------------------------Supports breastfeeding skills for the mother-infant dyad. Conducts breastfeeding assessments initiating a breastfeeding plan to be implemented by the mother with support by hospital staff, and evaluates the effectiveness of the plan, revising as necessary. Collaborates with other Women's and Infant's services professionals and care teams to develop evidence based feeding plans using current lactation theories and research, as wells as the infant's nutritional requirements, while respecting the family's breastfeeding goals.--------------------------------------------------Teaches, coaches, supports, and mentors Cone Health nursing staff and other healthcare learners to promote evidence-based clinical practice. Participates in interdisciplinary performance improvement and clinical research to promote evidence-based lactation services and to improve clinical outcomes. Identifies and analyzes system barriers to provision of excellent care and develops plans to resolve barriers.--------------------------------------------------

Qualifications

EDUCATION:Bachelor?s degree in nursing, health, nutrition or related field required.EXPERIENCE:Consultant position requires 1 year of experience in breastfeeding/lactation support.See Knowledge, Skills and Abilities section for more information about RN advancement in the PNAP program.LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY/LISTING:REQUIREDBLS (CPR)-American Red Cross or AHA Healthcare ProviderCertification by International Board of Lactation Consultation Examiners? (IBLCE?) is required. NRP* is required within 1 year of hire. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is required within one (1) year of hire.PREFERRED