Registered Nurse Lactation Consultant - Specialty Lactation
About The Position
The Registered Nurse Lactation Consultant provides expert lactation support and education to breastfeeding mothers and infants, using the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care. The role provides in-person consultations, telephone follow-ups, and outpatient services to address lactation challenges, support breastfeeding success, and help ensure optimal care for mothers and infants. The consultant works with lactation counselors, physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers to coordinate care and maintain continuity of lactation support after discharge. The role also includes patient education, staff training, promotion of lactation resources, and participation in service development and quality improvement. The work schedule is MIDS, 12 hours.
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
- In-depth knowledge of lactation practices, breastfeeding management, and maternal-infant health.
- Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills.
- Excellent communication, counseling, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and support diverse patient populations.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- RN license in the state of employment or compact license.
- IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) certification required within one year of hire.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Obtain required certifications within the designated time frame in accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification, and Registration Verification Policy.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field.
- In-hospital experience.
- Outpatient follow-up care experience.
Responsibilities
- Meet the expectations of applicable OneCHRISTUS competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
- Educate mothers and families about breastfeeding techniques, infant feeding cues, and the benefits of breastfeeding.
- Develop and implement individualized care plans that support breastfeeding goals.
- Provide emotional support and encouragement to families.
- Document interactions, assessments, and care in accordance with hospital policies and patient privacy regulations.
- Provide timely follow-up assistance to mothers.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to coordinate continuity of care.
- Coordinate with hospital staff so lactation needs are addressed during hospital stays and after discharge.
- Follow up with patients, monitor progress, address concerns, and adjust care plans as needed.
- Provide outpatient lactation support through in-person visits and telephone consultations.
- Assess breastfeeding techniques, infant latch, milk supply, and breastfeeding goals.
- Address lactation challenges such as sore nipples, low milk supply, latch issues, and breastfeeding pain using evidence-based strategies.
- Provide guidance and support for complex lactation issues.
- Assist with training and educating nurses and other healthcare providers about lactation.
- Promote lactation-care best practices through in-service training and educational resources.
- Contribute to the development and improvement of lactation services in alignment with evidence-based guidelines.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and audits to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- Carry out other duties as assigned.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Associate degree
