Position Summary

The RN-Lactation Consultant will function and contribute as a member of the maternal-child health care team. Care will be provided in a variety of settings (primarily outpatient and community based), while making appropriate referrals to other health professionals and community support resources. Working together with the health care team, the RN-Lactation Consultant will provide breastfeeding and lactation care and other visits as assigned. This role will be the community outreach contact for Northfield Hospital Clinics. This position will provide care throughout the Northfield Hospital Clinics locations.

Key Accountabilities:

• Patient assessment
  • Assesses patient’s condition based upon observation, examination, and / or interview, laboratory findings, and other pertinent information.
  • Completes assessment in specified time frame.
  • Identifies and consistently recognizes changes in normal and abnormal parameters in the patient’s physiological and psychological condition.
  • Performs comprehensive maternal, child and feeding assessments related to lactation.
• Patient care planning
  • Uses professional judgment and critical thinking to prepare, prioritize and execute the patient’s plan of care consistent with patient assessment data and physician’s treatment plans and professional standards of evidence-based practice.
  • Directs and delegates support personnel in implementing patient’s plan of care, provides supervision and guidance.
  • Integrates cultural, psychosocial and nutritional aspects of breastfeeding.
  • Works collaboratively and interdependently with other members of the health care team
• Patient interventions
  • Implements nursing interventions to achieve progress toward expected patient outcomes or to stabilize a patient’s condition and / or prevent complications.
  • Consistently follows patient care and facility policy and procedures in performance of one’s duties.
  • Renders professional nursing care including administering medications, starting intravenous fluids and blood products.
  • Performs all technical skills required for unit patient population such as, but not limited to IV venipuncture, restraint application, sterile dressings, etc.
• Evaluation of care
  • Evaluates and documents patient’s response to nursing care and modifies or revises treatment plans, and / or contacts physicians as circumstances require.
  • Documentation reflects evaluation of patient response to nursing actions.
  • Makes necessary referrals to other health care providers and community support resources when necessary.
• Provides patient education.
  • Provides and documents patient / family education based on diagnosis, treatment plan or prescribed medical regimen in accordance with patient / family readiness and ability to learn.
  • Educates women, families, health professionals and the community about breastfeeding and human lactation.
  • Attends Baby Talk and other community outreach assignments as needed.
• Upholds the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) standards.
  • Performs within the IBCLC clinical competencies.
  • Integrates knowledge and evidence when providing care for breastfeeding families.
  • Attends regular continuing education to promote evidence-based knowledge and skill.

Qualifications:

• Current RN license with the Minnesota Board of Nursing, in good standing
• Current BLS must be enrolled in NH C RQI program and complete the requirements within 90 days of enrollment. Must remain current (complete quarterly assignments prior to the end of each calendar quarter).
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification
• Maternal/newborn patient care experience, at least 2 years
• Reliable transportation to travel between Northfield Hospital Clinics and community outreach events
• Current NRP certification (if not current will need to obtain in the first 6 months).
• Initial Crisis Prevention Certification (CPI) within six months.
• Workplace Violence education in New Employee Orientation and annually thereafter.
• Outpatient lactation clinic experience preferred
• Knowledge of lactation documentation and reimbursement preferred

Schedule:

• 48hrs/2wks
• 8-hour shifts starting at 8:00am
• Occasional weekend for community events

Benefits:

• Competitive Wages (experience and education may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended)
• Shift Differential Pay
• Paid Time Off and Sick Over Sixteen Accrued on First Paycheck
• Eligible for Medical and Dental Insurance, Vision Discount Plan
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plan (PERA) with a 7.5% company match
• 457(b) Retirement Plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Others include Free On-site Parking, our Qualified Bilingual Staff Program, Employee Assistance Program, and a variety of savings opportunities, including cafeteria, pharmacy, and scrubs discount.

Northfield Hospital Clinics is an independent organization with over 800 employees. We are known for our positive work environment and quality patient care. We provide a full spectrum of services with our Hospital in Northfield, MN and primary and specialty clinics in Northfield, Lakeville, Farmington, Faribault, and Kenyon. Urgent Care locations in Northfield and Lakeville.

Northfield, MN is a charming, historic river town of 21,000 people, less than an hour's drive from the Twin Cities. The community is home to two highly ranked colleges and is praised for its availability of parks, golf courses, scenic trails, and for its active arts programs and events throughout the year. Nationally recognized in 2024 as one of “The 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” by magazine Money.