At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Milk Lab Technician reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Milk Lab Technician is responsible for preparing and distributing human milk and/or formula feedings of all neonatal patients in the NICU. This position is part of an interdisciplinary medical care team and works under the direct supervision of the NICU nursing manager. This position is responsible for performing inventory control, conducting compliance audits, and maintaining professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares infant feedings using appropriate equipment and aseptic technique.
• Prepares infant feedings as directed per infant feeding order.
• Utilizes standardized recipes for milk preparation.
• Assists with calculations of new recipes or formulas under the supervision of the registered dietician.
• Identifies questionable feeding orders and escalates to appropriate medical team member.
• Labels and stores all milk properly.
• Delivers infant feedings per designated schedule.
• Receives, distributes, and stores all milk and/or formula in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined for the Milk Lab.
• Responsible for maintaining sufficient inventory of the Milk Lab, including inventory, and ordering, receipt and tracking of donor breast milk
• Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of Milk Lab and Milk Lab equipment,  in accordance with infection prevention policies and guidelines.
• Conducts compliance audits, identifies and performs quality improvement efforts, and maintain logs, records, and other required documentation.
• Assists with training other technicians as necessary.
• Maintains professional communication with all members of the interdisciplinary care team.
• Demonstrates excellent customer/patient service, in alignment with NM’s Patient’s First Mission.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Required:

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Analytical skills to gather, analyze, and interpret data.
• Strong mathematical skills.
• Experience with medical terminology.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Exceptional verbal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and part of a team.
• Time and task management.
• Ability to prioritize and problem solve.
• Previous experience with an EMR.
• Previous experience with Microsoft Office and other Windows based systems.
• Formula/Human Milk Technician Certificate will be required after the first 12 months of employment, if not already certified upon hire.  Maintenance of certification will be required, according to the certifying body’s renewal requirements.

Preferred:

• Previous nutrition or pharmacy technician experience.
• Previous experience using EPIC electronic medical record.
• Formula/Human Milk Technician Certificate.  Maintenance of certification will be required, according to certifying body’s renewal requirements.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.