RN Certified Lactation Counselor

Description

JOB SUMMARY
The Lactation Counselor is skilled in assessment of new mothers to establish effective breast feeding early in the
post partum period and to assist the breastfeeding mother to attain her individual goals. Functions as a member of
the multi-disciplinary health care team as a counselor to healthcare professionals and patients. Ability to educate new
parents of the benefits of breast feeding their baby. Reduce problems in the post partum period caused by poor or
improper latch. Consistently demonstrates behaviors that model St. John's Health Mission, Vision, and Values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Patient Care
1. Obtains and reviews all patient data using observational, interviewing, interpretation and critical thinking skills in an
age, population specific and developmentally appropriate manner.
2. Identifies risk factors and provides for patient safety. Implements measures to prevent injury from environmental
hazards. Identifies changes in patient status and responds appropriately.
3. Exercises critical thinking and independent judgment within the context of a multidisciplinary approach to patient
care.
4. Develops a plan of care that is unique to each patient's needs, reflecting measurable goals that are mutually set
with the patient and family.
5. Evaluates patient response to the plan of care and evaluates the effectiveness of interventions towards established
goals.
6. Utilizes the appropriate unit specific documentation system. Updates and completes all documentation thoroughly
and in a timely manner.
7. Organizes and prioritizes care of multiple patients with varying levels of acuity in a timely and efficient manner.
8. Manages specimen collection, handling and disposition according to hospital policy.
9. Addresses patient and family's spiritual and emotional needs utilizing a holistic approach.
10. Uses supplies and equipment within safe parameters. Ensures equipment is functioning properly before use.
Reports equipment malfunction following reporting procedure. Initiates and completes Event Reports for unusual
events consistently.

Patient and Family Education
1. Assesses age/population specific and developmentally appropriate patient and family education needs.
2. Initiates and incorporates patient/family education into plan of care.
3. Identifies continuity of care needs for discharge and follow-up using appropriate resources.
4. Incorporates teaching/education into all aspects of patient care and nursing practice.
5. Communicates status report to patient and family as appropriate.
6. Assesses readiness to learn based on patient perception, educational level and expectation of care.
7. Assesses patient understanding of plan of care, available coping mechanisms and outcome expectations.
8. Provides clear information to assist the patient to make informed decisions.

Unit Specific Performance
1. Initiates and receives referrals from physicians, nursing staff, and patients.
2. Identifies, analyzes, and formulates a plan of prevention and intervention that results in the attainment of the
breastfeeding mother's individual goals.
3. Performs in-patient consults at the bedside and out-patient private and group setting consults.
4. Confers regularly, when appropriate, with the relevant obstetrician, pediatrician, and nursing staff member on each
patient's special needs, plan of care, and progress.
5. Acts as a role model to communicate, implement, and support the service line objectives. Assists with educational
programs and consultation/support to the nursing staff.
7. Assists in the development and/or review of all literature relating to infant feeding that is distributed to patients in
the hospital and related to their discharge at home.
8. Makes follow up phone calls with breastfeeding mothers for statistical purposes.
9. Assists with educational programs and consultation/support to the nursing staff.
10. Recommends breastfeeding equipment and devices when their use is appropriate to the lactating mother. Makes
suggestions for related to their discharge at home.

Professional Development
1. Maintains, develops and updates skills and CEU`s as are required to maintain CLC status.
2. Self-evaluates professional knowledge and actively seeks out educational opportunities for development.
3. Participates in development and updating of unit policies.
4. Completes hospital wide and unit specific competencies in a timely manner.
5. Obtains, renews and keeps required license and certifications current.
6. Identifies need and completes national certification pertinent to unit. Applies to patient practice and standards.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Education
Required: ASN
Preferred: BSN. Knowledge of community based prenatal and postnatal resources preferred. CLC preferred.

Minimum Work Experience
Required: Prior experience as a lactation consultant required.

Required Licenses: Current RN License with the authority to practice in the state of WY. BLS required, and additional ACLS certification
preferred.

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS
Working Conditions: Hospital obstetrical unit. Frequent stressful situations. Must perform some weekend, holiday and as needed unit
rounds. Must be on-site at the SJH Campus to fulfill the responsibilities of this role.

Physical Requirements: Work requires extensive periods of talking, walking, standing, bending, pushing and some lifting of equipment.
Exposure to infections and contagious disease possible.

Direct Reports: None

Reports to: Manager of Obstetrics, takes clinical direction from Lactation Clinical Coordinator

Internal & External Contacts: All hospital personnel, physicians, patients, family, vendors and visitors.

LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES
Patient Focus (Nursing)
• Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of patients
• Gets firsthand patient feedback and uses it for improvements
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with patients and gains their trust and respect

Attention to Detail (Nursing)
• Completes tasks in a way that ensures there are not errors
• Methodically and patiently reviews work to identify any mistakes or discrepancies
• Creates and stores documentation in a way that is thorough and easy to access

Quality Decision Making (Nursing)
• Considers many factors and sources when making decisions
• Is correct and accurate with most of his/her solutions and suggestions when judged over time
• Is sought out by others for advice and solutions
• Spends his/her time and the time of others on what's important
• Quickly zeros in on the critical and few and puts the trivial many aside
• Handles risks and uncertainty with composure

Interpersonal Skills (Nursing)
• Steps up to conflicts, seeing them as opportunities
• Finds common ground and gains cooperation
• Builds appropriate rapport
• Taking responsibility for the consequences of one's own actions and decisions

Qualifications