Lactation Consultant - PRN/Casual - Days/Evenings

Best Care; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Nebraska Methodist Health System is seeking a qualified lactation consultant to support breastfeeding mothers during inpatient care at Methodist Women’s Hospital in Elkhorn, NE.

The role emphasizes education, risk assessment, care planning, and collaboration with nurses and physicians to promote successful lactation outcomes.

Casual schedule noted with opportunities for ongoing staff development and patient-centered care in a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Associates degree from accredited school required.
• Bachelor’s degree required to be obtained by 5 years of hire date.
• Certification: IBCLC required; BLS and NRP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide breastfeeding education and ongoing support to patients and families.
• Assess inpatient breastfeeding risk factors and develop discharge plans.
• Consult with staff nurses, lactation consultants and physicians as needed.
• Document patient assessments and interventions clearly in the medical record.
• Maintain lactation protocols and evidence-based practices in daily care.
• Participate in staff education, inservices and program development.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Multitasking

Compassion

Education

Associates degree

Bachelor’s degree by hire date

IBCLC certification

BLS/NRP certifications

Job description

Why work for Nebraska Methodist Health System?
At Nebraska Methodist Health System, we focus on providing exceptional care to the communities we serve and people we employ. We call it The Meaning of Care – a culture that has and will continue to set us apart. It’s helping families grow by making each delivery special, conveying a difficult diagnosis with a compassionate touch, going above and beyond for a patient’s needs, or giving a high five when a patient beats a disease or conquers a personal health challenge. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits and a great work environment where all employees are valued! Most importantly, our employees are part of a team that makes a real difference in the communities we live and work in.

Job Summary:

Location: Methodist Women’s Hospital
Address: 707 N. 190th Plaza - Elkhorn, NE

Schedule: PRN/on a as needed basis

Accountable for the delivery of quality care to patients and families according to the individualized needs of the patient.

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions

1. Provides appropriate care specific to the age of the customer/patient, to ensure understanding and comfort level of treatment as outlined in the Population Specific Criteria.

• Demonstrates ability to identify opportunities for and give individualized customer service/patient care according to customer/patient needs.

1. Performs an initial and ongoing assessment to determine the patient’s needs.

• Includes data from the patient/significant other(s) in the assessment as appropriate.
• Prioritizes data collection according to patient’s immediate needs.

1. Develops/reviews/revises and individualizes the plan of care to address the patient’s nursing care needs for optimum patient care outcomes. (Consultation and resources, nurses as teachers.)

• Collaborates with providers and other clinical disciplines as appropriate.
• Provides teaching specific to the patient.
• Care plan reflects continuing care needs and/or referrals.

1. Implements interventions that are consistent with the established plan of care in a safe and appropriate manner (Professional Models of Care).

• Is familiar with, and follows, lactation protocols and standards of care.
• Uses current knowledge in lactation practice based on standards and research literature.

1. Performs technical skills competently and independently to assure patient safety (autonomy).

• Able to competently perform technical skills independently.
• Is accountable to learn new skills and equipment within areas’ specifications and time frame.
• Demonstrates correct and safe technique in the use of equipment according to specific product information and policy and procedure manuals.
• Follows appropriate procedure for obtaining and returning or cleaning/disposing of equipment and supplies.

1. Maintains a professional behavior in attitude, demeanor, interactions to achieve organization’s mission. (Quality Improvement, Image of Nursing, Interdisciplinary Relationships, Professional Development, community and the healthcare organization.)

• Communicates effectively to solve problems at the personal and unit level.
• Is approachable and professional in working with other health professionals, ancillary staff, patients and family.
• Takes pride in the unit by active participation in restocking and maintaining a clean environment.
• Maintains a professional appearance, behavior, and work environment.
• Maintains competence in area of experience.
• Participates in meetings and/or committees as needed to assist in decisions effecting area/unit or organization.

1. Initiates action to correct, prevent, and/or minimize risk(s) to the patient, family or staff/employees. (Quality of Care)

• Completes appropriate report form for a risk (e.g., variance/incident report, patient concern report, maintenance request).
• Communicates to appropriate personnel regarding unresolved issues.
• Works within the scope of practice as defined by Nurse Practice Act.

1. Fiscally accountable.

• Acts professionally responsible for human and other resources.
• Charges accurately for use of supplies and equipment according to policy.

1. Provides education and support for the breast feeding mother and baby during inpatient phase.

• Assesses inpatients with an identified lactation risk factor.
• Consults with staff nurses regarding patient assessment/risk factor.
• Documents patient assessments and interventions.

1. Identifies potential problems in breast feeding mother and baby during the inpatient or outpatient phase.

• Develops a breastfeeding plan for discharge with mother.
• Communicates plan to Staff Registered Nurse (RN) and/or physician.
• Assure follow-up per phone.

1. Provides ongoing breast feeding education during the pregnancy continuum.

• Updates and adapts infant feeding curriculum of the prepared childbirth series and develops/updates handouts on an ongoing basis.
• Facilitates Baby and Me / support programs.
• Serves as a resource for Baby and Me facilitators.
• Teaches educational sessions for corporate lactation clients.

1. Provides ongoing professional education on breastfeeding issues.

• Prepares formal inservices for staff and/or community.
• Utilizes informal opportunities to teach staff by hands-on and examples.
• Participates in orientation of new employees.
• Serves as a resource for student experiences.

1. Performs a telephone assessment of discharged breast feeding mothers and babies.

• Utilizes appropriate telephone communication techniques for accurate assessment.
• Initiates referral as outpatient or to MD as indicated.
• Documents phone assessments.
• Serves as a resource for corporate lactation clients on an as needed basis.

Schedule:

Casual

Job Description:

Job Requirements

Education

• Associates degree from accredited school required.
• Bachelor’s degree required to be obtained by 5 years of hire date.
• Successful completion of annual mandatory education requirements.

Experience

• 1 year experience from the list of health professions recognized by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners “ IBLCE” :
  • Dentist, Dietician, Midwife, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist, Physician or Medical Doctor, Speech Pathologist or Therapist.

License/Certifications

• Degree or Licensure in one of the following required:
  • Dentist (DDS or DMD)
  • Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
  • Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Occupational Therapist (OT)
  • Pharmacist (PH)
  • Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Physician (MD)
  • Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
• Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) strongly preferred at time of hire, required within 3 months of hire.
• Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) within three months of hire required.
• Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) required.
  • International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) required within 2 years of hire.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate and interact with patients, family members, hospital personnel, and co-workers.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to learn, retain, and utilize computer skills that are required for department and hospital information system.
• Ability to think