Clinical Nurse C-Lactation

Nursery Unit (Per diem, Varied Shift)

Job Summary

The Clinical Nurse C-Lactation serves as an advocate and consultant for breastfeeding and works collaboratively with the nursing staff and physicians to assist the inpatient and outpatient mother-baby couplet in achieving a successful breastfeeding regime. Promotes a baby-friendly environment throughout the organization. Interacts with patients and families utilizing socially insightful and culturally sensitive methods to increase awareness and provide education regarding the benefits of breastfeeding.

Understands family systems and cultures that may impact breastfeeding and lactation. Communicates with patients and families from a perspective of respect and awareness regarding cultures, values, beliefs, traditions, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diverse features that may exist. Utilizes skilled discretion and independent judgment to prioritize, coordinate, provide and document direct and indirect age-specific and developmentally appropriate quality patient-centered care to lactating mothers and their children.

Performs the nursing process (assessment, care planning, intervention, evaluation) independently and in accordance with LLUMC-Murrieta's established Professional Practice Model (Duffy's Quality Caring Theory) to achieve proficient individualized physical, psychosocial and spiritual wellness and provide compassionate bereavement support when indicated. Serves as a role model in patient care delivery methods and consistently demonstrates advanced level of clinical practice. Follows LLUMC - M policies, protocols, techniques, and guidelines.

Meets qualifications, licensure, certifications and competencies as defined in the department-specific Plan for Providing Care. Applies theoretical concepts to clinical practice and continually expands knowledge base and clinical skills with a focus in neonatal lactation services. Inspires and adopts the transformation of evidence into practice to optimize patient outcomes.

Functions within the expectations of an accomplished professional nurse and represents nursing as an empowered profession readily embracing new knowledge, innovations and improvements. Stays up to date on recommendations pertain to breastfeeding by The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM). Collaborates with Director to maintain breastfeeding polices and provide staff education.

Provides a positive influence to facilitate change and optimize patient satisfaction and outcomes. Engages in opportunities to directly or indirectly influence decision-making for clinical practice by supporting and participating in committees, task forces and staff meetings. Exhibits refined interpersonal skills that portray professionalism and maximize excellence in customer service and safe patient care.

Contributes to a work environment of caring and cooperation among a culturally diverse workforce and patient population. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) required. Minimum of two years' experience in perinatal, NICU, OB, or breastfeeding support required. Employees hired into the CN-C position are granted one year to meet CN-C criteria outlined in the Clinical Nurse Ladder handbook. New hires are eligible to be promoted into the CN-D classification when criteria outlined in the Clinical Nurse Ladder handbook and job specifications outlined in CN-D job description are met.

Knowledge and Skills

Ability to apply theoretical concepts to clinical practice and continually expands knowledge base and clinical skills with a focus in area of infant nutrition, lactation and breastfeeding. Basic knowledge of healthcare regulations and accreditation required. Exhibits professional behavior at all times and works calmly and responds courteously when under pressure.

Able to: speak, read and write legibly in English (and Spanish preferred) with professional quality; use computer, printer and software programs necessary to the position, e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, electronic medical record, electronic event reporting program; troubleshoot and calibrate patient care equipment; perform technical patient care activities; relate and communicate positively, effectively and professionally with others; be assertive and consistent in following and/or enforcing policies; lead, supervise, teach and collaborate; accept direction; think critically; work independently with minimal supervision; perform basic math functions; manage multiple assignments effectively; organize and prioritize workload; problem solve; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail; distinguish colors and smells as necessary for patient care; discern temperature variances through touch; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records and written documents necessary to position.

Licensures and Certifications

Active California Registered Nurse (RN) license required. Basic Life Support (BLS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) issued by the American Heart Association required. Lactation Educator certification required. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant preferred. Sugar, Temperature, Airway, Blood pressure, Lab work, Emotional support (S. T. A. B. L. E.) certification required within 6 months of hire.