Lactation Consultant

LVHN; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh Valley Health Network is seeking a lactation consultant nurse to enhance breastfeeding support in the inpatient setting. The role focuses on the needs of mothers and infants, advocating for families and promoting improved breastfeeding outcomes.

You will work with obstetrical and pediatric teams, provide counseling, and contribute to policy development and staff education. Requires RN licensure, specialized lactation experience, and IBCLC eligibility or certification.

Qualifications

• Specialized RN diploma and PA RN license.
• 3 years of lactation counseling experience.
• Ability to assess and care for lactation in obstetrical and pediatric settings.
• Excellent communication with patients, families, and staff.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles.
• Familiarity with IBCLC guidelines and clinical protocols.

Responsibilities

• Orients new nursing staff to the newborn feeding policy and practice guidelines.
• Consults with an interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of breastfeeding protocols.
• Provides assistance via telephone to pregnant and lactating women requiring information, counseling, and follow-up.
• Provides breastfeeding assessment, support, and counseling in routine and high risk, complicated, clinical situations for the breastfeeding family in obstetrical and pediatric areas.
• Serves as a clinical expert and consultant in the care of the breastfeeding family.
• Assists in developing policies and procedures related to breastfeeding.
• Plans, teaches, and conducts in-service education for maternal child health and nursing staff providers.
• Reviews and maintains files of current research and literature and serves as a resource person to health care providers and breastfeeding families.

Skills

Lactation counseling

Communication

Adult learning principles

Team collaboration

Advocacy

Education

Specialized Diploma RN

RN - Licensed Registered Nurse_PA

IBCLC certification or eligibility

Job description

Summary

Functions to enhance the normal process of lactation and prevents, assesses, and manages lactation problems in the in-patient setting. Focuses on the needs and concerns of the breastfeeding mother and infant(s) and advocates for the breastfeeding family in preventing, recognizing, and resolving breastfeeding difficulties while promoting improved breastfeeding outcomes. Functions within the Scope of Practice as defined by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and follows Standards of Practice as defined by their professional association, International Lactation Consultant Association; adheres to policies, procedures, and guidelines of care.

Job Duties

• Orients new nursing staff to the newborn feeding policy and practice guidelines.
• Consults with an interdisciplinary team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of breastfeeding protocols.
• Provides assistance via telephone to pregnant and lactating women requiring information, counseling, and follow-up.
• Provides breastfeeding assessment, support, and counseling in routine and high risk, complicated, clinical situations for the breastfeeding family in obstetrical and pediatric areas.
• Serves as a clinical expert and consultant in the care of the breastfeeding family.
• Assists in developing policies and procedures related to breastfeeding.
• Plans, teaches, and conducts in-service education for maternal child health and nursing staff providers.
• Reviews and maintains files of current research and literature and serves as a resource person to health care providers and breastfeeding families.

Minimum Qualifications

• Specialized Diploma RN
• 3 years of experience in lactation counseling.
• Ability to perform assessments and nursing functions as acquired in a basic nursing preparation program.
• Creates an environment that promotes learning for staff and families.
• Participates appropriately in communication and decision making activities.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles.
• Knowledge of consulting methods, tools, and techniques.
• Plans, teaches, and conducts education for healthcare providers.
• Plans, organizes, and delivers lactation management services to breastfeeding families.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and coworkers being an advocate for the families.
• Ability to evaluate families response to care and initiate independent and/or collaborative changes where appropriate.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire
• IBCLC-Intl Board Cert Lactation Consultant - State of Pennsylvania within 180 Days
• RN - Licensed Registered Nurse_PA - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Nursing
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Program - State of Pennsylvania within 1 Year

Physical Demands

• Lift and carry 40-50 lbs. Examples: Push/pull patients on bed, stretcher (requires 29 lbs. push force), lateral transfers up to 50 lbs. of the patient's weight.
• Frequent to continuous standing/walking.
• Patient transporters can walk 8-10 miles per shift.
• *Patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR.

Job Description Disclaimer

This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.

Equal Opportunity

Lehigh Valley Health Network is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will pro