Lactation Consultant

1029 Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono; Pocono Township (PA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pocono Township, PA, seeks an experienced RN Lactation Consultant to support breastfeeding families in the inpatient setting, with focus on newborns in the NICU. You will assess lactation needs, provide counseling, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to promote breastfeeding outcomes.

Requirements include an RN license in Pennsylvania, IBCLC certification, and prior lactation counseling experience.

Qualifications

• Specialized Diploma RN with lactation counseling experience.
• Ability to assess and support breastfeeding mothers in care settings.
• Strong communication and education delivery to families.

Responsibilities

• Orient new staff to lactation policies and newborn feeding guidelines.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to develop breastfeeding protocols.
• Provide telephone and in-person counseling to pregnant and lactating women.
• Perform lactation assessments and counseling in routine and high-risk settings.
• Serve as a clinical expert and consultant for breastfeeding care.

Skills

Lactation counseling

Effective communication

Education

Registered Nurse (PA) license

IBCLC certification

Job description

Imagine a career at one of the nation's most advanced health networks. Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work. LVHN has been ranked among the "Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. We're a Magnet(tm) Hospital, having been honored five times with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's prestigious distinction for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes in our Lehigh Valley region. Finally, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley Hospital- Hazleton, and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono each received an 'A' grade on the Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2020, the highest grade in patient safety. These recognitions highlight LVHN's commitment to teamwork, compassion, and technology with an unrelenting focus on delivering the best health care possible every day.

Whether you're considering your next career move or your first, you should consider Lehigh Valley Health Network.

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.

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.

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 provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities.

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Lehigh Valley Health Network does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Agencies should not forward resumes to our job aliases, our employees or any other organization location. Lehigh Valley Health Network is not responsible for any agency fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Work Shift: Day Shift Address: 206 E Brown St Primary Location: Lehigh Valley Hospital- Pocono Position Type: Onsite Union: Not Applicable Work Schedule: 0800-4:30pm Monday - Friday and every third weekend Department: 1029-00066 NICU Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is the region’s largest employer and health care provider of choice. Our nearly 20,000 health care professionals take pride in what they do and are driven by our mission to heal, comfort and care for the people of our community.

LVHN is honored to be certified as a Great Place to Work®. LVHN’s culture of trust – and the positive things colleagues said about working at LVHN when surveyed by Great Place to Work and Fortune – align perfectly with what makes a great workplace. This designation tells you that LVHN is a great place to work from hire to retire. If you are someone who aligns with LVHN’s core values – Compassion, Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence – you will have a rewarding and successful career here.