Summary The RN Lactation Consultant develops an overall view of patients, families and caregivers, and establishes strong partnerships to deliver optimal care. The RN Lactation Consultant performs the following functions: Essential Duties and Responsibilities + Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry. + Renders professional nursing care to patients within an assigned unit of the hospital, in support of medical care as directed by medical staff and pursuant to objectives and policies of the hospital + Compliant in completion of all unit specific competencies and requirements required to care for all patients/patient types with the department. + Involved in quality improvement planning and processes for the area of practice + Clinical documentation and care plans completed comprehensively for all patients assigned in a timely manner + Seeks feedback regarding practice and takes actions as appropriate. + Practice reflects knowledge of current practice standards (ANA, NH Nurse Practice Act, Baby Friendly USA and other Specialty standards) + Communicates patient information appropriate for continuity and safe care through hand offs, walking rounds, and physician/provider interaction. + Provides a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, and staff by following established procedures and protocols + Implements resources and initiatives that are in place or in process to improve patient safety. + Works within guidelines of Just Culture Environment to promote error reporting and adoption of safe practices. + Assures issues are addressed through appropriate use of the chain of command + Completes appropriate rounding in collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team + Identifies and assists in correction of patient care safety issues. + Recognizes and praises excellent performance in colleagues and co-workers, when identified + Builds respectful relationships through early and pro-active identification of concerns, complements or suggestions + Collaborates unit to unit and shift to shift for resolution of conflicts and issues in a timely manner + Consults with nurses in other department/units to draw upon expertise in other clinical areas/specialties + Displays professional, positive perspective at all times, including when faced with difficult circumstances + Seeks opportunities to assist all team members + Displays willingness to resolve tension within the unit or department, for example, by volunteering to accept an admission, or adjust an assignment + Demonstrates practice that is consistent with the tenets of shared governance and with the philosophy of the unit and the organization. + Assists with solution identification in response to problems and conflicts + Effectively delegates aspects of care and unit activities to other nursing personnel + Collaborates in planning, supervising, and instructing other nurses and assistants. + Works collaboratively with nursing students and instructors + Participates in peer review of colleagues + Demonstrates characteristics of the SPIRIT of St. Joseph Hospital with a commitment to my co-workers and holds peers accountable for the same + Possesses the skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide competent comprehensive consultation and education in routine and special circumstances regarding lactation in the inpatient and outpatient settings. + Supports and promotes the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” established by WHO, UNICEF, and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) + Gathers and maintains all quality data relating to lactation services and collaborates with the Director and Quality Dept in reporting this data + Collaborates in planning, supervision and instruction of new nurses or those that ask for assistance with supporting mothers who are breastfeeding (non MCH nurses, providers, etc). + Assists Director with ensuring patient education materials meet BabyFriendly criteria and are culturally diverse + Provides breastfeeding education, support to the community and staff adhering to evidence-based standards of care. + Provides follow up calls and appointments with patients and provides appropriate recommendations of care and/or advises further medical evaluation/treatment as appropriate + Communicates with patients prenatally to prepare them for their stay, answers questions, and guides them through prenatal education care/classes/information. + Avoids use of unauthorized overtime + Manages ETO per policy + Other duties as consistent with this role. Job Requirements Job Knowledge and Skills + Maintain competencies on Mother/Baby care + STABLE course completion certification preferred or obtained prior to completion of orientation + Complete Breastfeeding 10 Steps education within 6 months of hire + NEDS (Organ Donation) education/review required annually + Malignant Hyperthermia education/review required annually + Vaccine education (per Vaccine For Children/NH Immunization Program) required annually + Point of Care testing (glucose testing) annually + Unit specific education review biannually, including but not limited to: Period of Purple Crying, Safeguarding Their Tomorrows, Safe Sleep, Metabolic Screening, Hearing Screenings, CCHD testing (Congenital Cardiac Heart Disease screening), etc. + Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training preferred or obtained prior to completion of orientation, then biannual Education and Experience + Current New Hampshire RN license required + Basic Cardiac Life Support required + Neonatal Resuscitation Program required by 6 months post hire; prior to specialty track orientation completion (whichever is first) + Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification preferred + Specialty Certification (IBCLC) required within 2 years of eligibility, then maintained. + Graduate of an approved Nursing program preferred + Specialty Certification (IBCLC) preferred upon hire; required within 2 years of eligibility Covenant Health Mission Statement We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities. Our Core Values: •Compassion We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering. •Integrity We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources. •Collaboration We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities. •Excellence We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation. Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history).