RN Lactation Consultant

CommonSpirit Health•Westminster, CO

20h

About The Position

The RN Lactation Consultant assesses and manages breastfeeding mothers and babies, particularly those with problems or concerns, using independent judgment in assessment, diagnosis, and initiation of nursing processes and procedures. The role provides direct patient care, supports training for new associates on breastfeeding techniques and standards of care, and serves as a subject matter expert to relevant units. The consultant also develops and presents education for clients and hospital staff, applying knowledge of lactation and adult learning principles in a complex healthcare environment. The position assesses lactating patients’ physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs through observation, interview, record review, and clinical data; evaluates responses and intervenes in a timely manner. It manages lactation issues and uses appropriate resources to address problems for inpatients in OB, NICU, and PEDS populations, and for outpatients as needed. The consultant develops and updates breastfeeding policies, procedures, standards of care, and guidelines; collaborates with the multidisciplinary team on individualized plans of care; supports and educates colleagues; and documents assessments, outcomes, and plans of care. The position is based at St. Anthony North Hospital, whose maternity services include labor and postpartum units, a Level II NICU, triage beds, and operating room suites. The hospital describes opportunities for continuing education and role expansion, supported by flexible self-scheduling.

Requirements

Associate's Degree in Nursing.
Three (3) years nursing experience.
RN license; current state nursing license or valid RN license from a participating state in the National Licensure Compact.
Strong clinical expertise in lactation, including neonates.
Excellent assessment and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently.
Experience in adult learning principles and communication.
Commitment to supporting mothers and infants.

Nice To Haves

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant or Certified Lactation Counselor certification.
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.
Prior lactation training and/or certification.

Responsibilities

Assess lactating patients’ physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs through observation, interview, record review, and clinical data.
Evaluate patient responses and intervene in a timely manner to support optimal outcomes.
Manage lactation issues and use appropriate resources to solve problems for inpatients in OB, NICU, and PEDS populations and for outpatients as needed.
Provide direct patient care to breastfeeding mothers and babies, particularly those with problems or concerns.
Support training for new associates on breastfeeding techniques and standards of care.
Serve as a subject matter expert to relevant units.
Develop and present education for clients and hospital staff.
Develop and update policies, procedures, standards of care, and guidelines for supporting and implementing breastfeeding.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to develop and implement holistic, individualized patient plans of care, observing outcomes in accordance with nursing standards and physician directions.
Support and educate colleagues to improve the overall standard of breastfeeding care.
Document assessments, outcomes, and plans of care.