RN Lead Lactation Consultant

RN Lead Lactation Consultant

St. Charles Health System (SCHS) seeks a certified professional to develop an ambulatory lactation program and provide direct breastfeeding education, counseling, and support to mothers and families in a medical office setting. The role involves assessing, planning, and delivering lactation services to ensure a positive breastfeeding experience and successful outcomes for mother and baby. The consultant collaborates with medical staff to integrate breastfeeding education into patient care plans and performs newborn hearing tests with results shared with the baby’s primary care provider (PCP).

This role does not directly manage other caregivers but may provide feedback on the work of others.

• Lactation Support and Counseling
  • Provides one‑on‑one breastfeeding counseling and support to patients, addressing challenges such as latch difficulties, low milk supply, and other concerns.
  • Conducts pre‑ and post‑natal consultations to educate families on breastfeeding techniques, benefits, and expectations.
  • Assists with breastfeeding equipment, such as pumps, and provides instructions for their use.
• Clinical Assessment
  • Assesses the breastfeeding process, identifying potential issues and creating individualized care plans.
  • Monitors infant growth and maternal health related to breastfeeding, referencing other healthcare providers as necessary, and evaluates patient progress.
• Education and Advocacy
  • Educates families about the importance of breastfeeding and how to overcome common challenges.
  • Delivers group classes or educational sessions on lactation and breastfeeding for expectant parents.
• Program Development
  • Works closely with Women’s and Children’s service line leadership to develop ambulatory lactation services and workflows.
  • Evaluates tri‑county regional needs for lactation services and identifies unmet areas through SCHS or community partnerships.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Coordinates care with pediatricians, obstetricians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless care.
  • Documents all patient care in the SCHS electronic medical record (EMR) system, complying with policies and regulatory agencies.
  • Communicates with community resources for additional patient support when needed.
• Quality Improvement and Training
  • Stays updated on the latest breastfeeding practices, research, and guidelines.
  • Participates in ongoing education, certifications, and training to maintain professional expertise.
  • Provides breastfeeding education and support training to medical office staff.
• Nursing Core Responsibilities
  • Calculates dosages and administers medications accurately in accordance with SCHS policies and procedures.
  • Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.
  • Supports departmental and operating unit goals through continuous quality improvement and departmental activities.
  • Engages in professional growth and development of self and others.
  • Communicates effectively, maintaining professional relationships with caregivers, medical staff, patients, and guests.
  • Identifies work‑related problems with possible solutions and implements them when appropriate.
  • Creates a healing environment that supports all aspects of the care environment and the wholeness of each individual.
  • Demonstrates focus attitudes and behaviors that enhance the care experience, managing the patient’s experience by clarifying and coordinating interdisciplinary roles.
  • Provides a therapeutic presence, listening actively and using communication skills appropriately.
  • Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct, reporting violations and cooperating with investigations.
  • Delivers customer service and patient care in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner.
  • Supports the organization’s vision, mission, and values, and advocates Lean principles of continuous improvement.
  • May perform additional duties within other ambulatory settings as required.

Required: As required by licensure/certification.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Required: Current Oregon RN license. AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification. Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) within 6 months of hire.

Preferred: Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI).

Required: One (1) year recent experience of mother/baby dyad care or Lactation Consultant experience.

Preferred: N/A.

Mid‑Senior level

Part‑time

Health Care Provider

Hospitals and Health Care