Lactation Consultant Nurse Clinician

Duke University - Durham, NC

Full-time - Mid Level

Durham, NC

5,001-10,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Lactation Consultant Nurse Clinician at Duke University Hospital is a specialized role focused on providing expert care and support to breastfeeding mothers and their families. This position involves clinical assessments, developing evidence-based feeding plans, and collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure optimal lactation support. The clinician serves as a consultant, educator, and leader, promoting best practices in lactation and breastfeeding within the hospital and the community.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical care and lactation services to breastfeeding mothers by physician or nurse referral.
• Collaborate with birthing center nursing care teams to develop complex feeding plans.
• Use current lactation theories and research to develop evidence-based feeding plans that address individual feeding issues.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and outpatient lactation consultants to provide continuity of care upon discharge.
• Serve as a role model for advanced nursing skills in lactation.
• Facilitate the professional development of healthcare teams by improving clinical and theoretical education in lactation.
• Participate in developing, implementing, and evaluating patient education resources and programs.
• Teach, coach, and support breastfeeding mothers utilizing evidence-based practice and approved educational resources.
• Assess local community needs for breastfeeding education and participate in programs to address these needs.
• Utilize evidence-based research to support clinical, educational, and consultative roles in lactation.
• Participate in interdisciplinary performance improvement and clinical research to promote evidence-based nursing practice.
• Serve as a consultant to nursing and the larger community in areas of lactation.
• Participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of lactation and breastfeeding programs.

Requirements

• Previous work experience (3+ years) as a clinical nurse is required.
• Bachelor's degree in nursing, health, nutrition, or related field required (BSN Preferred).
• Current registration with North Carolina State Board of Nursing as a registered professional nurse OR current compact RN licensure to practice in North Carolina required.
• BLS (or higher) certification required.
• Certification by IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners) is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Professional specialty certification (preferred).

Benefits

• Relocation Assistance (based on eligibility).