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 health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The  Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)  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 Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) assumes responsibility for the lactation support provided to breastfeeding patients and their families. The role of the IBCLC includes assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of breastfeeding and human lactation support in a variety of situations, such as anticipatory guidance and prevention of problems, complete, accurate, and timely documentation of consultation, communication, and collaboration with other health care professionals.

Description

• Demonstrates proficiency in the Clinical Competencies for the Practice of an IBCLC. 
• Functions as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team and consult with physicians, and other appropriate individuals as necessary in order to serve as a direct resource to breastfeeding mothers and babies.
• Functions as a Lactation Consultant in area of expertise, collaborating with the mother, the primary nurse, physician and related members of the health team in the management of lactation and breastfeeding
• Integrates knowledge, evidence-based practice and assessment skills that incorporate specific age and culture related care. 
• Assists the primary nurse to formulate a nursing care plan for establishment of lactation and breastfeeding.
• Collaborates with all members of the health care team incorporating evidence based practices to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate lactation and breastfeeding problems and to suggest treatment approaches and outcomes.
• Develops, evaluates and revises policies and procedures related to lactation and breastfeeding.
• Monitors and evaluates hospital practices for lactation and breastfeeding.
• Participates in Quality Improvement for regulatory compliance, patient satisfaction, lactation and breastfeeding.
• Collaborates with OB/Ped Leadership in the development of programs.
• Designs and implements educational programs to families, and the community about breastfeeding and human lactation through teaching prenatal breastfeeding classes and post-natal support groups. 
• Re-evaluates needs with leadership for program development and growth.
• Assists health care team in maintaining their current knowledge base and competency with breastfeeding through the development of educational programs
• Develops and maintains discharge support resources.
• Provides documented evidence in the medical record of patient/family teaching and their responses and understanding of the teaching.  Ensures that patient education and instructions are consistent with that of the physician or designee
• Follows up with lactating moms who seek a consultation
• Working Conditions: Working conditions may involve exposure to infectious disease, blood, body fluids and/or tissue as well as other unpleasant elements such as accidents, injuries and illness.  May be exposed to and be required to handle varying unpredictable, emergency and crisis situations.  Occasionally subjected to irregular hours and pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. 
• Perform other duties as assigned

 Required:

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with previous clinical experience in providing lactation education and breast-feeding care.
• Current BLS certification for Healthcare Providers
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Advanced computer and charting skills

 Preferred:

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) 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.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.