Lactation Specialist (RN or Dietician)

The Lactation Consultant conducts post-delivery lactation assessments in the Women’s and Children’s Center and in the outpatient setting, both virtually and in the clinic. Provides ongoing lactation support to clients, making appropriate referrals when indicated. Available to facilitate the breastfeeding support group when necessary.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Performed majority of the time:

·         Assists in maintaining statistical information on all aspects of the lactation program.

·         Completes documentation of postpartum clinic visits, lactation phone calls and lactation clinic visits. Including appointment reminder calls.

·         Makes daily visits on postpartum unit to breastfeeding patients identified as having problems.

·         Completes lactation care plan on patients with identified problems.

·         Evaluates effectiveness of interventions as related to care plan and expected outcomes.

·         Offers and schedules clinic visits following established guidelines.

·         Coordinates and provides input to the manager on staff education.

·         Acts as a resource nurse for staff, patients, and physicians as it relates to the Lactation Services Program in collaboration with manager.

Performed occasionally but critical to successful performance of the job:

·         Participates in quality improvement activities pertaining to the maternal/child and lactation services programs.

·         Acts in collaboration with manager in the facilitation of special projects relating to the Lactation Services.

·         Attends OB staff meetings, lactation staff meetings, and other meetings related to Lactation Services.

Education:

Required

·         A copy of highest academic diploma or transcript.

Preferred

·         N/A

Experience:

Required

·         Recent experience in the care of childbearing families.

·         Experience in physical assessment of maternal/child patients.

Preferred

·         N/A

Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations:

Required

·         International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant preferred upon hire and required within one (1) year of hire.

·         Current registered nurse license in Oregon State or registered through Commission of Dietetic Registration.

·         American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS.

Preferred

·         N/A

Job Related Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

Required

·         Follows policies for infection control and disposal of hazardous waste and sharps.

·         Provides care appropriate to the age of patients served adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients based on principles of growth and development and life stages.

·         Demonstrates confidentiality according to PHI regarding patient and co-worker information.

·         Recognizes and respects cultural and religious differences.

·         Recognizes and respects each family unit’s right to make feeding decisions according to the entire family’s needs.

·         Excellent customer service skills.

·         Ability to work without direct supervision.

·         Excellent communication skills.

·         Professional appearance makes good first impression.

·         Knowledge of nursing or lactation principles and practices.

·         Knowledge of the patient care processes as applicable to the care of the postpartum family.

·         Uses personal computer in communicating.

Preferred

·         Bilingual skills highly preferred.