Purpose & Scope:
The Lactation Consultant is a professional who assumes responsibility for assessing needs, planning, implementing and evaluating breastfeeding education for lactating patients as well as nursing staff.
This requires a self-directed individual who will operate within the mission statement of Virginia Hospital Center. Additional responsibilities include educating patients who plan to breastfeed, monitoring of all infants at risk for delayed breast feeding, and assisting the high risk parent / infant pair. Other responsibilities include staff education, departmental policy and procedure development and evaluation and participation in continuing education activities. This description is intended to reflect major responsibilities of this position but is not intended to describe minor duties and other responsibilities. Major responsibilities include development and coordination of lactation related department goals, education of the medical and nursing staff and parents, and documentation of breastfeeding assessment and progress in the patient record. Regular attendance and participation in departmental committees as the breastfeeding liaison and on medical staff rounds, as applicable, will be included.
Education:
An associate degree or a bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
Experience:
One year of Women and Infant clinical experience is preferred.
Certification/Licensure:
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) required.
Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Virginia Department of Health Professions or compact state licensure in nursing is preferred.