Registered Nurse Lactation Consultant

Where You’ll Work

The Women’s Services department at Holy Cross Hospital-Mountain Point has 10 LDRP rooms, one triage room, 6 OB/GYN rooms, and 4 level 2 nursery beds. We deliver an average of 85 babies each month, 34 weeks and above. Our diverse patient population loves coming to Mountain Point because of our walk-in tubs, complimentary massages, celebration meals, beautiful and spacious rooms, fantastic mountain views, and knowing they stay in the same room from admission to discharge. We pride ourselves on excellent patient experiences that cater to their preferences in a safe, comfortable environment.

All nurses work shifts as mother-baby nurses and specialize in either labor or level 2 nursery. Our nurses must be flexible as their assigned area may change from shift to shift, or throughout a shift. Our labor patients are staffed one-on-one, except cervical ripenings are one to two. Mother-baby assignments are staffed by three couplets to one nurse. The level two nursery is staffed by one nurse to two babies. However, patient acuity may change the nurse-to-patient ratio.

Because we all work together in one department, we work together well and know how to assist with patient care in the other specialty. We have a wide spectrum of experience and encourage questions and learning. Our employees can become instructors, serve in the Shared Governance Council, or contribute to other councils and projects. National certification is highly encouraged and supported. We want employees eager to learn, personable, self-driven, and work well in a team environment. We also value loyalty and commitment to the overall department and hospital objectives which center around ministering to our community and one another.

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our RN Lactation Consultant, you will assess and manage breastfeeding mothers and babies, particularly those with problems or concerns, exercising independent judgment in the assessment, diagnosis, and initiation of nursing processes and procedures. Every day you will provide direct patient care, support training for new associates on breastfeeding techniques and standards of care, and serve as a subject matter expert to relevant units. You will also develop and present education for clients and hospital staff, demonstrating knowledge of lactation and adult learning principles within a complex healthcare environment. To be successful in this role, you will be a Registered Nurse with a BSN, strong clinical expertise in lactation (including neonates), excellent assessment and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently. Your experience in adult learning principles, communication, and commitment to supporting mothers and infants are essential.

• Assesses the lactating patient’s physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs through observation, interview, review of records, and clinical data, then evaluates the patient’s response and intervenes in a timely manner to ensure optimal patient outcome.
• Manages lactation issues and utilizes appropriate resources to solve problems for inpatients (OB, NICU, and PEDS populations) and for outpatients as needed.
• Develops and updates policies, procedures, standards of care, and guidelines for supporting and implementing the art of breastfeeding.
• Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to develop and implement holistic, individualized patient plans of care, observing outcomes in accordance with nursing standards and physician directions.
• Supports and educates colleagues so that the overall standard of breastfeeding care is improved.
• Responsible for documentation of assessments, outcomes, and plans of care.

Job Requirements

Required

• Associates Degree in Nursing
• Three (3) years nursing experience
• RN License; Current state nursing licenses or valid RN license from a participating state in the National Licensure Compact.
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant or Certified Lactation Counselor

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
• Prior lactation training and/or certification