Job Description Summary

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Job Description

Lactation Consultant

DEPARTMENT: Nursing

Classification: NE 80B

Reports to: Director of Nursing

I. Job Summary

Responsible for developing and implementing educational programs based on breastfeeding and provide professional nursing care for the breastfeeding mothers. Maintains lactation support for breastfeeding mothers after discharge.

II. Minimum Qualifications

Associate Degree and current RN license in the state of South Carolina. CPR certification is required. Board Certified Lactation Consultant certification required. Some clinical or hospital experience is preferred but not required.

III. Work Environment

Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases. Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances. Exposed to unpleasant elements including accidents, injuries and illnesses. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Must be able to handle emergency or crisis situations. May perform emergency care. Is occasionally subject to irregular hours. Occasional exposure to radiation.

IV. Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

V. Financial Responsibilities

Financial stewardship of supplies and resources.

VI. Essential Functions

1. Teaches patients about breastfeeding and assesses patients’ technique for breastfeeding offering encouragement and support taking into consideration their physical, psycho-social, environmental and spiritual needs.

2. Evaluates outcomes of patient teaching, consults with other specialists as required and adjusts nursing care processes as necessary to obtain optimal patient care.

3. Maintains appropriate patient documentation, records and charts to insure an accurate record of the patients’ medical treatment. Maintains confidentiality.

4. Using the interdisciplinary approach formulates a teaching plan based on identified

learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning including family teaching as appropriate.

5. Maintains “Warm Line” for breastfeeding help after discharge.

6. Provides in-service education for staff re breastfeeding practices.

7. Performs other miscellaneous and related duties as assigned by the director of nursing.

VII. Physical Requirements

Physical requirements are primarily related to the essential functions of any job. In order to perform the essential functions of this position, you must be able to stand up to twelve (12) hours, walk, sit, use hands, reach, stoop, kneel, talk, hear and smell. Must be able to lift or exert energy up to 35 pounds. The Regional Medical Center has purchased patient transfer/lift devices to reduce the physical lifting of patients. Safe patient handling equipment is to be utilized for the transfer and lifting of patients greater than 35 pounds.

Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more) color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), peripheral vision (ability to observe area that can be seen move up/down or left/right) and depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances).

VIII. Mental Requirements

Ability to read and interpret business or safety manuals, clinical or technical procedures or regulations. Ability to write reports, correspondence and/or manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, patients, families, other employees and medical staff. Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to multitask and prioritize assigned and assumed responsibilities to complete tasks as necessary.

IX. Population Served

This position primarily interacts with all age groups and provides direct patient care. All staff members must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to meet the physical, psycho/social, educational, safety, and related needs of the persons in the assigned work area. Staff members must be able to understand and respond to the expectations and needs of patients, family members and visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Additional Job Description

Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing or Associate/Diploma degree in nursing; if Associate/Diploma degree, must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program within two years in position and successfully obtain a BSN degree within four years in position; or graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Speech Language Pathology program, or a bachelor's degree in dietetics or related field of study from an American Dietetic Association approved program.  Experience:  At least 1 year of work experience in area of licensure is required.  Experience practicing as an IBCLC in a high-volume Baby Friendly designated hospital is preferred. Licensure/Certification:  RN - Licensure as a registered nurse by the South Carolina Board of Nursing or a compact state required.   PT, OT, SLP - Licensure as a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech Language Pathologist by the South Carolina Board of Examiners. NBCOT certification required for Occupational Therapist. Registered Dietitian - Must hold the national RD (Registered Dietitian) or RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) credential and hold an active state Licensed Dietitian (LD) credential issued by the SC Department of LLR. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification is preferred, however if not certified IBCLC must be obtained within one year of hire and must be maintained.   Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required. 

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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