JOB SUMMARY:

The Lactation Consultant (LC) functions as a clinical expert in the management and support of lactation. The LC actively promotes breastfeeding and assists mothers in reaching their own goals for breastfeeding. The LC plans and coordinates patient, family and staff breastfeeding education activities in collaboration with the Women?s Services department nursing leadership and staff for the specified Harris Health pavilion. The LC coordinates the activities of Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and staff that provide breastfeeding support to antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum patients who require breastfeeding support throughout the facility. The LC serves as a liaison/resource/facilitator and promotes interdisciplinary/interdepartmental communication and collaboration. The LC participates in quality improvement, research processes/utilization and community activities as appropriate. The LC works directly with the Women Services department nursing leadership to translate pavilion and department strategic plans and policies into a plan suitable to the unique needs of the patient population.

The LC is responsible for maintaining an environment that cultivates exemplary patient care. As a member of the professional nursing team, the LC facilitates a setting that supports professional nursing practice. The LC ensures compliance with standards established by professional nursing organizations; national, state, and local regulatory agencies; and institutional policies and procedures. The LC is accountable for nursing practice that upholds high standards of integrity and ethical behavior.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Education/Licensure/Specialized Training:

a. Education:
Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing with a Bachelors degree in Nursing or related field required. Masters degree in Nursing or related field is preferred. Holds at least one (1) of the following in Nursing: Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral degree.

b. Licensure/Certification:

i. Licensed to practice nursing in the State of Texas.
ii. Certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). If not IBCLC, must be Certified Breastfeeding Educator (CBE) and complete IBCLC certification required.
iii. Basic Life Support from a hospital-based American Heart Association (AHA) approved program.

Work Experience:
i. Two (2) years of work experience as staff nurse in Women's Services or related clinical area of practice.
ii. Breastfeeding education experience with minimum of two (2) years working with childbearing and breastfeeding families.

3. Management/Experience: N/A
4. Equipment Operated: Typical medical equipment related to job duties.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Communication Skills:
Above Average Verbal (Heavy Public Contact)
Bilingual Skills Required: Yes Language(s): Spanish
Writing /Composing (Correspondence/ Reports)

Other Skills:
Medical Terms, PC, Word Proc

Work Schedule:
Weekends, Flexible, Travel

Other Requirements: BCLS and NRP required-can be scheduled and completed during orientation.