RN, Lactation Consultant - Full time Days

University of Missouri Health Care • Columbia, MO

1d • $36 - $53

About The Position

MU Health Care is looking for a passionate and knowledgeable lactation consultant dedicated to supporting new mothers in achieving their breastfeeding goals. We seek someone who thrives on empowering families, providing expert education, and fostering a nurturing environment for both patients and staff. The ideal candidate will be a natural educator, skilled in the clinical management of breastfeeding, and eager to develop innovative programs that promote maternal and infant health. If you are someone who values patient-centered care, has a keen eye for detail, and enjoys collaborating across disciplines to improve breastfeeding success, this is the role for you. Join MU Health Care, where your expertise will inspire and support new mothers on their breastfeeding journey.

Requirements

• Missouri Board of Nursing RN or Nurse Licensure Compact multi-state RN. When primary state of residency changes, compact state RNs must apply under new state of residency within thirty (30) days.
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), or other national lactation organization, within one (1) year as a condition of continued employment in this job classification.

Nice To Haves

• Five (5) years of lactation consultant experience.
• Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Responsibilities

• Actively promotes breastfeeding and assists mothers in reaching their own goals for breastfeeding.
• Develops and implements standards of care and guidelines for assisting breastfeeding mothers in all areas of the organization where they might be served. Supports programs already in place. Organizes information and posters for activities to promote breastfeeding
• Plans, oversees, and coordinates patient, family, and staff breastfeeding education activities. Provides and coordinates didactic education to all patients who require breastfeeding information in accordance with current research literature and national standards of care. Evaluates the effectiveness of patient and family education.
• Reviews and updates information regarding wellness topics such as nutrition, preventative services, and exercise to promote good health habits and increase patient compliance with the health care plan. Implements and maintains a reference library of breastfeeding materials appropriate for both healthcare providers and mothers interested in learning more about lactation.
• Provides antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum classes on breastfeeding, breast care, and related topics to inpatients or outpatients. Knowledgeable and skilled in the physiology and clinical management of breastfeeding. Documents patient/family education and progress of the mother and baby in accordance with hospital standards.
• Maintains professional growth in the area of educational techniques and acute/chronic/wellness topics to maintain the quality of patient education services. Accepts consults for the education of patients and family members in the inpatient or outpatient settings. Evaluates equipment related to breastfeeding and maintain the breastfeeding room. Supports hospital employees who are breastfeeding.
• Plans, oversees, and coordinates annually and as-needed education. Reviews care routines, policies, procedures, or other aspects of the mother-baby hospital experience with involved clinical staff in order to highlight the successes or needs of the lactating mother and their breastfeeding infants. Responsible for coordinating staff competency activities and documentation of activities in staff education folders. Develops a reference library for staff use.
• Serves as the consultant for MU Health Care service regarding breastfeeding issues. Establishes and maintains a telephone line to provide contact with patients who require assistance or those referred for outpatient assistance. Establishes and maintains a regular follow-up system of continuing care for mothers and their infants first seen in the hospital. Develops documentation records to track patient progress/concerns.
• Communicates with health care providers regarding patient condition and disposition and documents events properly. Screens patient records and performs patient interviews to assess the medical and obstetrical history and determine the health care needs. Recognizes sub-optimal changes in status and symptoms that require follow-up and reports to the physician.
• Serves as a liaison, resource, or case manager. Offers case conferences that highlight the particular needs of lactating mothers and their breastfeeding infants for RMCHP. Coordinates patient care services between clinic providers, specialists, pharmacy, and other ancillary services.
• Participates in Quality Improvement, Total Quality Management, and research processes which result in the improvement of clinical interventions. Conducts annual audits to determine breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates and the effects of change in protocols.
• May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.

Benefits

• Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one
• Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays
• Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years
• Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more
• See a comprehensive list of benefits here.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees