SJCH Lactation Consultant

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

77d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Lactation Consultant provides care to meet the lactation needs of the patient population on the Mother Baby Unit, Neonatal ICU, pediatric cardiac ICU, pediatric and adult units as needed. The lactation team members rotate through the various units. Lactation consultants practice in accordance with the Standards of Practice of IBLCE. The Lactation Consultant provides evidence-based lactation support and clinical management within a framework of systematic problem-solving in collaboration with the client and other members of the health care team. The lactation team conducts daily breastfeeding rounds on the inpatient Mother Baby Unit and high-risk neonatal nurseries with mothers and infants who have identified lactation problems and those who require ongoing support. The Lactation Consultant coordinates counseling, equipment and support of mothers who are breast pumping for their high-risk infants. The Lactation Consultant completes assessments, develops appropriate interventions, assists and teaches clients and documents consults in EPIC. The Lactation Consultant provides education and preceptor opportunities for various health care professionals, including nurses, nursing students, medical students, residents, fellows, and dietitians. Participation in lactation related committees is also required.

Requirements

• Minimum of three years of work experience as a registered nurse required.
• At least 1 year of experience practicing as an IBCLC in a high-volume Baby Friendly designated hospital preferred.
• Licensure as a registered nurse by the South Carolina Board of Nursing or a compact state.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.
• Ability to perform job functions while standing. (Continuous)
• Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (Continuous)
• Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous)
• Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent)
• Ability to work indoors. (Continuous)
• Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (Infrequent)
• Ability to work from elevated areas. (Frequent)
• Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Frequent)
• Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent)
• Ability to bend at the waist. (Continuous)
• Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent)
• Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Frequent)
• Ability to perform "pinching" operations. (Frequent)
• Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
• Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
• Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
• Ability to reach overhead. (Frequent)
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous)
• Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous)
• Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (Frequent)
• Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous)
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (Infrequent)
• Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (Infrequent)
• Ability to lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. (Infrequent)
• Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (Frequent)
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous)
• Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (Continuous)
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous)
• Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous)
• Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous)
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous)
• Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (Continuous)
• Ability to work rotating shifts. (Frequent)
• Ability to work overtime as required. (Frequent)
• Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous)
• Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. (Continuous)

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Nursing degree preferred.
• Experience practicing as an IBCLC in a high-volume Baby Friendly designated hospital preferred.
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification is preferred, however if not certified IBCLC must be obtained within one year of hire and must be maintained.

Responsibilities

• Provides care to meet the lactation needs of the patient population on the Mother Baby Unit, Neonatal ICU, pediatric cardiac ICU, pediatric and adult units as needed.
• Conducts daily breastfeeding rounds on the inpatient Mother Baby Unit and high-risk neonatal nurseries with mothers and infants who have identified lactation problems and those who require ongoing support.
• Coordinates counseling, equipment and support of mothers who are breast pumping for their high-risk infants.
• Completes assessments, develops appropriate interventions, assists and teaches clients and documents consults in EPIC.
• Provides education and preceptor opportunities for various health care professionals, including nurses, nursing students, medical students, residents, fellows, and dietitians.
• Participates in lactation related committees.

Benefits

• Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level