Lactation Consultant

Mercy•Fort Smith, AR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides lactation support, education, and assistance to mothers and families. Initiates and maintains regular contact with mothers throughout the baby's hospital stay to help support their breastfeeding experience. Provides post-discharge outpatient care and services through coordination with Family Resource Center and Outpatient Lactation Services. Serves as a clinical and education resources related to lactation or hospital co-workers. Works closely with staff to facilitate provisions of lactation support services and education throughout Mercy. Represents Mercy at community activities, outreach, and educational programs. Must have flexibility in scheduling to assure required contact with patients. Awareness of direct patient care activities for neonatal age groups to include assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Coordinates patient care activities with nursing and ancillary departments to optimize patient care and comfort. Functions within the scope of nursing preparation and consistent with the established guidelines of nursing practice, the goals of Mercy, the philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy, the Missouri Nurse Practice Act, the Code of Professional and Business Ethics and the Employee Code of Conduct. Performs related duties as assigned. Performs duties and responsibilities in the manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved nursing education program.
Current RN licensure with the State Board of Nursing or current RN temporary work permit.
Demonstrated clinical expertise in their area of responsibility.
Demonstrated skill in interpersonal relations and communications.
Ability to multitask and be flexible in routines.
Must have a current American Heart Association healthcare Provider Care or complete a course within their probation period.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) must be obtained within two years of date of hire or transfer.
BSN Preferred
Prefer experience in mother/baby care

Responsibilities

Provides lactation support, education, and assistance to mothers and families.
Initiates and maintains regular contact with mothers throughout the baby's hospital stay to help support their breastfeeding experience.
Provides post-discharge outpatient care and services through coordination with Family Resource Center and Outpatient Lactation Services.
Serves as a clinical and education resources related to lactation or hospital co-workers.
Works closely with staff to facilitate provisions of lactation support services and education throughout Mercy.
Represents Mercy at community activities, outreach, and educational programs.
Assures required contact with patients through flexibility in scheduling.
Performs direct patient care activities for neonatal age groups to include assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Coordinates patient care activities with nursing and ancillary departments to optimize patient care and comfort.
Functions within the scope of nursing preparation and consistent with the established guidelines of nursing practice, the goals of Mercy, the philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy, the Missouri Nurse Practice Act, the Code of Professional and Business Ethics and the Employee Code of Conduct.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Performs duties and responsibilities in the manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.