Summary:

The Registered Nurse Lactation Counselor provides expert lactation support and education to breastfeeding mothers and infants, utilizing the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care. This role involves providing in-person consultations, telephone follow-ups, and outpatient services to address lactation challenges, enhance breastfeeding success, and ensure mothers and infants receive optimal care. The Lactation Counselor works closely with lactation consultants, physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers to coordinate care, provide education, and ensure continuity of lactation support after discharge. The role also includes patient education, staff training, and promotion of lactation resources.

Responsibilities:

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.

Patient Education and Counseling:

• Educate mothers and families about proper breastfeeding techniques, infant feeding cues, and the benefits of breastfeeding.
• Develop and implement personalized care plans that support breastfeeding success.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to empower families to meet their breastfeeding goals.
• Document all interactions, assessments, and care provided in accordance with hospital policies and patient privacy regulations.
• Offer timely and responsive assistance to mothers requiring follow-up care, ensuring they feel supported in their breastfeeding journey.

Collaboration and Coordination of Care:

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless continuity of care for breastfeeding families.
• Communicate and coordinate effectively with hospital staff to ensure lactation needs are addressed during hospital stays and post-discharge.
• Follow up with patients to monitor progress, address any concerns, and adjust care plans as needed.

Outpatient Lactation Support:

• Provide individualized lactation support to mothers and infants through outpatient follow-up, including in-person visits and telephone consultations.
• Assess breastfeeding techniques, infant latch, milk supply, and overall breastfeeding goals.
• Address common lactation challenges, including sore nipples, low milk supply, latch issues, and breastfeeding pain, using evidence-based strategies.
• Provide guidance and support for mothers and infants experiencing more complex issues.

Training and Education for Staff:

• Assist in the training and education of hospital staff, including nurses and other healthcare providers, to ensure accurate and consistent lactation information is provided to patients.
• Promote best practices in lactation care across the hospital through in-service training and educational resources.

Program Development and Improvement:

• Contribute to the development and improvement of lactation services, ensuring they align with current evidence-based guidelines.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and audits to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Carries out other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/Skills

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required
• Bachelor?s degree in nursing or related field preferred

Experience

• In hospital experience preferred
• Outpatient follow-up care experience preferred
• In-depth knowledge of lactation practices, breastfeeding management, and maternal-infant health required
• Must have strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills to address patient needs effectively
• Excellent communication, counseling, and interpersonal skills required
• Must be able to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and support diverse patient populations
• Strong organizational and documentation skills needed

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• RN License in the state of employment or compact required
• IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) certification required
• BLS required

Work Schedule:

3 Days - 12 Hours

Work Type:

Full Time

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About CHRISTUS Health

CHRISTUS HEALTH is an international Catholic, faith-based, not-for-profit health system comprised of almost more than 600 services and facilities, including more than 60 hospitals and long-term care facilities, 350 clinics and outpatient centers, and dozens of other health ministries and ventures. CHRISTUS operates in 6 U.S. states, Colombia, Chile and 6 states in Mexico. To support our health care ministry, CHRISTUS Health employs approximately 45,000 Associates and has more than 15,000 physicians on medical staffs who provide care and support for patients. CHRISTUS Health is listed among the top ten largest Catholic health systems in the United States.

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