Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center is attuned to the healthcare issues that matter to the people of North Brooklyn. Woodhull focuses on preventing disease and promoting healthy lifestyles by reaching out to the community at various locations.

At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Work Shifts

7:30 A.M - 16:00 P.M

Job Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Head Nurse-Lactation Counselor for the Maternal Child Health Department

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maternal Child Health

SUMMARYOF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Actively promotes breastfeeding and assists mothers in reaching their own goals for breastfeeding.
2. Plans, oversees and coordinates patient, family and staff breastfeeding education activities in coordination with the Senior Associate Director of Nursing, the Assistant Directors of Nursing - MCH, and the Head/Assistant Head Nurses.
3. Plans, oversees and coordinates annual and educational needs on an as needed basis.
4. Develops educational programs for staff development and for relevant continuing educational programs to enhance knowledge and promote a positive attitude regarding breastfeeding.
5. Serves as the consultant and liaison for the Maternal Child Health service regarding breastfeeding issues.
6. Supervises the activities of staff that provide breastfeeding support to antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum patients who require breastfeeding support throughout the facility.
7. Participates in community activities.
8. Actively plans and coordinates all breastfeeding promotional activities, such as Annual World Breastfeeding Week.
9. Participates in Quality and Performance Improvement activities, serving on and reporting to the CQI Committee monthly.
10. Actively participates in all activities related to Baby Friendly USA
11. Ensure adequate lactation supplies are available.
12. Conduct breastfeeding huddles.
13. Receive and give report from outgoing and oncoming tours, performing bedside rounds during this process.
14. Auditing of charts for proper documentation related to breastfeeding.
15. Check breastfeeding equipment and request repairs as needed.
16. Maintain and update focus notes to document breastfeeding patient's progress.
17. Orientation of new employees to breastfeeding policy and procedures.
18. Report any abnormalities to the provider.
19. Identifies patient's need and request intervention of supportive services i.e. Social Service, Dietary in resolving same.
20. Follows organizational policies and procedures.
21. Collaborates with providers in developing joint standards of practice for patient management.
22. Acts as patient advocate and patient liaison for clients, family and significant others.
23. Provides coaching, consultant, teaching and lactation support to our patient population. As a consultant, work collaboratively with the Newborn and Intensive Care Nurseries, Pediatrics, OB, and nursing care teams to develop feeding plans for a range of infants from the normal newborn to the complex neonate.
24. Consults and participates in the design, implementation and evaluation of programs and projects in lactation and breastfeeding to meet goals and objectives of Baby Friendly.
25. Use current lactation theories and research to develop evidence-based feeding plans that address individual feeding issues, such as nutritional requirements, while respecting the family's breastfeeding goals.
26. Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to provide continuity of care upon discharge of patients.
27. Participate in developing, implementing and evaluating patient education resources and programs. Teach, coach, support, and mentor nursing staff and other healthcare learners to promote evidence-based clinical practice, and support breastfeeding skills to mother-infant dyad.
28. Provide additional assistance with department specific quality and performance improvement activities within the Maternal Child Health division.

Minimum Qualifications
1. A valid New York State license and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State; and
2. Holds, or obtains through facility orientation, a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); and
3. One (1) year of experience as a registered nurse.

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• Multiple employee discounts programs