Overview
The Lactation Consultant serves as the Hospital's expert resource on human lactation. Facilitates the development and maintenance of skills necessary to insure optimal care of the breastfeeding dyad. Utilizes the critical thinking in the delivery of patient care including assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient outcomes. Revises plans of care as indicated. The Lactation Consultant functions as a member of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team as a consultant, educator, and mentor to patients, nurses, and healthcare professionals.
Qualifications
Certifications: Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS) - Lactation Education Consultants (LEC); International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) within 2 years - International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE); Licensed Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR); Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days - American Heart Association (AHA); National Nursing Certification - Varies; Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) - Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP), Education: College Diploma: Nursing (Required), Work Experience: Mother/baby
Responsibilities
Serves as a consultant when difficulties with lactation are beyond the knowledge and/or training of the health care provider.Consults, develops and implements lactation plans of care.Serves as a liaison and/or facilitator between the community and hospital providing ongoing expertise, education and support to groups and individuals.Provides a communication link between the hospital and health care provider’s office to assure coordination of patient care and maintains communication with health care providers concerning patients experiencing lactation and breastfeeding problems.Demonstrates appropriate assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation based on stages of life and developmental status.Educates patients, families and health care team members. Provides education for mothers and family in correct lactation management.Develops and implements ongoing lactation educational program annually on lactation for the healthcare team. Participates in lactation program development and implementation.Works with the appropriate shared governance structure on issues relating to lactation.Participates in development of policies, procedures, algorithms and guidelines specific to lactation practice at site and system levels.Collects data, identifies, monitors and evaluates quality and safety issues related to practice.Maintains phone consultation system for lactation questions and problems.Represents the lactation department at unit/system/community meetings.Evaluates and integrates research findings into lactation practice.Maintains current knowledge of lactation research and reflects this knowledge in current lactation practice. Participates in lactation research projects.Pursues continuing education relevant to lactation consultant practice including reading current professional journals, participating in workshops, seminars, in-service programs, conferences, accredited courses, and professional organizations.Directly supervises the breastfeeding patient in the nursing units as required. Instructs in proper hold, latch and breastfeeding positions. Instructs new nursing staff in breastfeeding techniques. Communicates to OB or Pediatrician relating to specific abnormal assessment as seen. Documents clearly findings and required plan for the nursing dyad in EPIC.
About Us
Find it here.
Discover the job, the career, the purpose you were meant for. At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. Find it all at Carle Health.
Our nearly 17,000 team members and providers work together to support patient care across central and southeastern Illinois. We’ve grown to include eight, award-winning hospitals and a multispecialty provider group with more than 1,500 doctors and advanced practice providers. We’re developing the next generation of providers and healthcare professionals through Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world’s first engineering-based medical school, and Methodist College. Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Health Methodist Hospital, Carle Health Proctor Hospital, Carle Health Pekin Hospital, and Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center hold Magnet® designations, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care.
We offer opportunities in several communities throughout central Illinois with potential for growth and life-long careers at Carle Health.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Carle Health participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. | For more information: human.resources@carle.com.
Compensation and Benefits
The compensation range for this position is $30.39per hour - $52.27per hour. This represents a good faith minimum and maximum range for the role at the time of posting by Carle Health. The actual compensation offered a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked and compensation model. Carle Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for team members and providers. To learn more visit careers.carlehealth.org/benefits.
