Lactation Consultant

The University of Kansas Health System • Kansas City, KS

11h • Onsite

About The Position

The Lactation Consultant provides safe, family-centered care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating lactation plans for breastfeeding dyads and pumping parents. The role works collaboratively with patients, families, significant others, and members of the health care team. The consultant demonstrates specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation, functions within the scope of practice defined by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), and follows applicable policies, procedures, and care guidelines.

The position serves as a clinical resource to hospital units, supports resolution of inpatient breastfeeding problems, and provides breastfeeding information, education, and support. It also contributes to staff education and development, prenatal classes, inpatient and outpatient teaching programs, and telephone support for women with breastfeeding questions, including maintaining records of calls. The position must meet the professional, clinical, and technical competencies of its assigned unit or department; other duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

• High school graduate.
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing or a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience with inpatient lactation programs and/or nursing, with knowledge of clinical breastfeeding issues in early postpartum, neonatal, and pediatric populations.
• IBCLC certification upon hire or within 1 year of hire, or one of the following certifications: Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS), or Peer Counselor (WIC, LLL, BFUSA, or similar organization).
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) certification from the American Heart Association.

Nice To Haves

• Licensed Registered Nurse (LRN) in a single state, through a State Board of Nursing.
• Registered Nurse in the state of Kansas.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a clinical resource to hospital units on lactation issues.
• Collaborate with staff to develop resolutions to inpatient breastfeeding problems.
• Develop and provide breastfeeding information, education, and support to patients.
• Participate in staff orientation, education, and clinical development, including educational opportunities about breastfeeding.
• Assist with teaching prenatal classes and participate in inpatient and outpatient teaching programs.
• Provide telephone support to women who call with breastfeeding questions and maintain records of those calls.
• Perform the professional, clinical, and technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level