What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lactation Consultant position at Conway Medical Center?
Position Summary:
Education:
The Lactation Consultant (LC) will be responsible for scheduling and conducting breastfeeding education classes offered by Conway Medical Center. The LC will provide lactation support and services to breast- feeding mothers / infants by physician or nurse referral. The LC will collaborate with pediatric, birthing center, and New Born nursery to develop complex feeding plans. The LC will use current lactation theories and research to develop evidence-based feeding plans that address individual feeding issues, such as nutritional requirements, while respecting the family’s breastfeeding goals. The LC will participate in interdisciplinary performance improvement and clinical research to promote evidence-based lactation services and to improve clinical outcomes as well as participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of standards of practice, guidelines, policies, procedures, and protocols within area of lactation. The LC will assist the Director of Maternal Child Health Services in planning, implementation, and coordination of the Baby Friendly and other initiatives. The LC must be willing to coordinate alternate housing within the facility in advance of shifts when inclement weather potential threatens the ability to get to the facility. The LC may be required to report back to work during any emergency situation i.e. mass casualty, internal disaster, etc. The LC will complete other duties as assigned.
Education:
- Associates’ degree (ASN) in Nursing required.
- Bachelors’ degree (BSN) in Nursing preferred.
Experience:
- A minimum of three (3) years RN experience in OB/GYN, Nursery, L & D nursing areas required.
- Previous experience working in a Baby-Friendly Certified Facility preferred.
- Prior experience with lactation consulting preferred.
- One of Two Certifications Required:
- Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) or;
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) by International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE).
- Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of South Carolina in good standing (SCLLR) required.
- Basic Life Saving (BLS) certification required.
Special Skills:
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with co-workers, nursing colleagues, physicians, and department heads.
- Exemplary core customer service skills strongly required.
- Knowledge of nursing theory and practice required.
- Strong organizational skills required.
- Strong PC skills required.
- Strong verbal communication skills required.
- Ability to exercise independent judgement in emergency situations required.