Lactation Specialist (Full Time, Day shift) at Nicklaus Children's Health System in Miami, Florida

Job Description:

Job Summary

Uses principles of family-centered care and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to support the patients and families healthcare needs. Integrates research findings, knowledge, and lactation experience to enhance breastfeeding practice. Provides clinical expertise, nursing support, and education on breastfeeding and lactation services to patients and families in the nursing units and supports TeleHealth initiatives. Utilizes nursing skills and knowledge in the assessment and delivery of nursing care. Supports and upholds quality standards of a Magnet designated hospital and Patient Bill of Rights and practices under the supervision of the Nursing Manager/Director.

• BSN degree and/or enrolled in BSN program.


• Current RN licensure within the State of Florida.


• Certified Lactation Counselor or Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant required.


• 2 years RN experience in a healthcare environment.


• CPR: Healthcare Provider

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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  Performs a lactation assessment, utilizes lactation knowledge of age specific criteria, develops, and implements a feeding plan and advocates for patients & families.
  
  


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  Provides ongoing assessment & evaluation of breastfeeding support and utilizes evidence-based practice to educate breastfeeding mothers.
  
  


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  Consults & collaborates with health care team to develop feeding plan.
  
  


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  Identifies educational needs of staff, develops & implements programs to increase knowledge of lactation benefits and revises educational materials for patients & nursing staff.
  
  


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  Plans, implements and documents the lactation plans. Evaluates patients/families response to lactation.
  
  


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  Maintains professional standards by participates in department huddles, in-service training, staff meetings and performance improvement activities.
  
  


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  Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team, assists with discharge planning & consults with nursing, medical staff related to lactation services.
  
  


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  Advocates for the patient, provides family support through education to parents & lactation related discharge planning and wellness.
  
  


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  Completes all nursing assessment of patients as needed. Performs reassessments as per policy when there is a change in the plan of care or when an intervention is performed.
  
  


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  Accesses electronic health record independently according to hospital policy. Completes accurate and timely documentation in the patient’s electronic health record.
  
  


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  Participates in professional activities such as lectures, breastfeeding & magnet shared governance committees, staff training, and research projects.
  
  


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  Provides basic nursing care such as feeding, may start IV, suctioning & repositioning for neonates.
  
  


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  Responds to medical equipment in a timely manner.
  
  


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  Promotes/practices cost containment and maintaining fiscal performance by ensuring appropriate supplies and par levels are maintained.
  
  


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  Supports departmental goals and the hospital strategic plan, actively participates in the nursing governance council, and unit based committee.
  
  


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  Works collaboratively with all levels of the hospital interdisciplinary team and promotes the team concept within the department and hospital wide.
  
  


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  Promotes an "error free" environment by consistently providing high-quality, safe care per MCH policies, and follows up on identified concerns promptly.
  
  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

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  Strong customer service, problem solving, critical thinking and time management skills.
  
  


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  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
  


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  Works effectively in a collaborative environment.
  
  


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  2 years of NICU experience including charge experience is preferred.
  
  


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  Ability to apply principles of evidenced-based practice, analytical thinking and service excellence in practice.
  
  


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  Computer literate with Microsoft Office Applications including Excel and Word.
  
  


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  Ability to provide quality care and service to patients, families and clinical staff.
  
  


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  Knowledge of and ability to provide appropriate family-centered patient care based upon age appropriateness and cultural needs.
  
  

(EOE DFW)