Lactation Tech

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Responsible for storing, preparing, and delivering a mother's breast milk and/or pasteurized donor human milk to hospitalized infants. Supports the improvement of efficiency and quality care by performing the required duties of this position at the direction of RNs and Lactation Consultants.

REPORTS TO

• Nurse Manager

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: NO

Minimum Education: High School Diploma/GED

Degree: General

Minimum Work Experience: 1 year previous experience in a healthcare role or clerical/technical position preferred or current student enrolled in an accredited college of nursing.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Basic computer skills including Outlook e-mail. Basic math skills in order to accurately weigh and measure. Strong attention to detail and organization of priorities. Strong self-initiative. Read, write, and ability to understand the importance of following and demonstrating protocols and processes completely, accurately, and consistently. Ability to effectively communicate and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contacts appropriate individual for needed assistance in clarifying feeding order and any safety concerns.
• Calculates accurate quantities of mother's own/pasteurized donor human milk and human milk fortifiers based on diet order.
• Uses the approved and prescribed technique and equipment to prepare milk, and accurately weighs and measures all human milk, fortifiers, and nutritional additives.
• Maintains sanitation standards by effectively maintaining the equipment as directed and maintains cleanliness of refrigerator/freezer used to store human milk on a daily schedule.
• Uses proper storage times and temperatures for human milk at all times; rotates stored milk to minimize undue wastage.
• Prepares labels to accurately identify mother's own/pasteurized donor human milk for individually prepared feedings.
• Accurately documents the number of syringes/bottles, milk volumes and additives (when applicable) of human milk preparation on the daily Milk Bank Record.
• Enters patient charges into computer system on a daily basis.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Instills confidence with the parents of their child's care by sensitively communicating with parents to ensure proper collection and storage of human milk.
• Distributes prepared milk feedings at appropriate and timely intervals.
• Responds promptly to needs of the parents and fellow care team.
• Proactively maintains stock of Milk Bank supplies by monitoring daily inventory and completing/submitting orders, plans ahead and stocks milk bank with all needed supplies, and communicates inventory shortages or special order needs, as appropriate.
• Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably, and willingly accepts any other assignment that may be requested.
• Promptly and accurately enters orders and minimizes errors not only for quality, but to minimize waste.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS-Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Medium lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 20-50 lbs occasionally, 10-20 pounds frequently and 10 lbs constantly to move objects. Sudden emergency situations have the potential for exposure for lifting or moving of up to 100 lbs. Frequent bending, walking, sitting, squatting, reaching, and standing are required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.

Come work where you can make a difference everyday.