RN Lead Lactation Consultant

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on providing professional and nonprofessional nursing care services in accordance with physician orders.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Clinical Nurse duties: Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the care needs of a designated group of patients or provides nursing care and identified clinical support tasks within the scope of practice for achievement of the patient’s plan of care as directed.  Provides professional nursing care to patients. Requires a nursing license.   A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs.  The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education.   A senior level role that requires advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience.  Typically responsible for: managing projects / processes, working independently with limited supervision, coaching and reviewing the work of lower level professionals, resolving difficult and sometimes complex problems.

Job Overview

The Clinical Leader Lactation Consultant is responsible for the development of a comprehensive breastfeeding service and serves as a clinical resource for breastfeeding patients, staff and providers.  The Clinical Leader Lactation Consultant will function as an expert in the field of breastfeeding.  Responsibilities include consultation, education, research and project management.  The Clinical Leader Lactation Consultant role will encompass the following areas:  clinical practice, collaboration and consultation, staff education, leadership, community outreach which is supported by evidence-based practice.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

2. Registered Nurse (RN) license. 

3. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. 

4. Three (3) years of experience as a RN Lactation Consultant

5. International Board of Lactation Consultant certification

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in Nursing

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1.Serves as a clinical resource, consultant, and role model for staff providing breastfeeding support and education.

2.Participates in the development of new policies and guidelines that align with the strategic vision of TMC.

3.Provides breastfeeding support and expertise as needed to all departments. This includes development of learning modules to support breastfeeding parents and community outreach including organizing, implementing clinical conferences and educational programs for nursing staff, students and perinatal care providers.

4.Integrates knowledge, research findings, and experience to enhance breastfeeding practices in both the inpatient, outpatient and community environments.

5.Uses excellent clinical skills to provide ongoing assessment and evaluation of breastfeeding support and education awareness.

6.Develops, monitors, and evaluates QI projects on a unit and/or hospital level using quality outcome indicators as it relates to evidence-based practice.

7.Reviews and monitors lactation equipment and makes recommendations according to best practice.

8.In collaboration with the perinatal nursing leadership team works to develop lactation services strategic planning for TMC.

9.Develops and updates breastfeeding competency for all new RNs orientating to the perinatal and outpatient service departments.

10.Serves on both unit and hospital committees.

11.Validates and benchmarks within this specialty area using specific key performance indicators as specified for lactation.

12.Collaborates/consults with affiliates in analysis of breastfeeding supplies and equipment and evaluates the impact of supply and equipment changes on the environment of care.

13.Consults with other members of the health care team on patient care, staff development, and practice issues.

14.Collaborates on a interdisciplinary basis to develop protocols, policies and procedures, and practice guidelines.

15.Collaborates with primary and associate nurses as well as other member of the health care team related to the patient plan of care.

16.Provides leadership for clinical care and quality patient outcomes relating to breast feeding. Additionally, co-chairs the TMC Breastfeeding Committee.

17.Participates in identifying and achieving unit, departmental, and institutional goals.

18.Participates in the assessment and recommendation of educational resource allocation.

19.Mentors staff in their ongoing professional development relating to breastfeeding education and support for staff, patients and OB providers in the inpatient, outpatient and community settings.

20.Critiques the lactation research literature and assess potential for use in clinical practice.

21.Disseminates research findings to improve practice.

22.Cultivates and develops an evidenced based culture of lifelong learning with the engagement of staff through a Journal Club supporting best lactation practices.

23.Participates in nursing research activities.

24.Demonstrates breast feeding skill in patient care in the area of breastfeeding.

25.Understanding of project management as relates to community awareness and networking opportunities including the creation of a Baby Café.

26.Demonstrates leadership in both formal/informal teaching environments.

27.Has demonstrated quality in clinical performance as evidenced by creativity in problem solving, risk taking, and interdisciplinary communication skills.

28.Provides age appropriate communication and education.

29.Understands and interprets the ageing process and it’s effect on breastfeeding.

30.Demonstrates understanding of impact concerning infant’s maturity on the breastfeeding process.

Physical Requirements:

1.Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking

2.Considerable reaching stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching

3.Frequent exposure to sick patients, bodily substances, noise

4.Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances

5.Subject to varying and unpredictable situations

6.Handle emergency a crisis situation

Skills & Abilities:

1. Possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process. 

2. Ability to provide care for a designated group of patients according to unit guidelines and hospital policies, procedures and protocols. 

3. Has the skills and knowledge to provide care to the age groups of the population served including: Knowledge of growth and development; Ability to interpret age specific data and response to care; and Provide age-appropriate communication. 

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at careers@tuftsmedicine.org.