Covenant Health

Registered Nurse, Lactation Consultant

Part Time, 48 Hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts

Parkwest Overview:

Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health’s flagship facility in West Knoxville, combines world-class cardiac expertise with the warmth of home in serving a vibrant East Tennessee community. Since 1973, Parkwest has grown into the region’s largest hospital in the area, offering advanced services like an all-digital catheterization lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It’s consistently ranked among Tennessee's top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and earns national recognition as a Top 100 Heart Hospital, as well as an “A” safety grade from Leapfrog. As part of Covenant Health, the region’s largest employer, Parkwest Medical Center, marries cutting-edge technology with compassionate, community-centered care, earning accolades for cardiology, stroke, surgical excellence, and patient safety. 

To learn more about Parkwest Medical Center and our units, visit Covenant Health Parkwest Medical Center Opportunities.  

Position Summary:

Responsible and accountable for breastfeeding education and support of nursing staff and mothers who plan to breastfeed.

• Coordinates the services of the professional staff to the benefit of the lactating mother and her breastfeeding baby. Assesses patient needs. Consults with mother and staff to help her meet her breastfeeding goals.
• Performs daily bedside lactation rounds.
• Based upon the assessment, formulates a plan of action with mother and staff to address goals and any existing lactation problems.
• Documents care, teaching, and the progress of the mother and baby on patient charts.
• Initiates discharge planning as related to the successful breastfeeding dyad.
• Performs all independent nursing functions and those ordered by physician.
• Coordinates patient/family education based upon assessment of patient readiness and patient preferences.
• Provides and maintains necessary supplies and equipment, including responsibility for ordering.
• Serves as a consultant within the bounds of related field to all areas of the Covenant Health System and the community.
• Participates in planned orientation for new employees and in-services for staff, updating printed breastfeeding information given to patients and staff as needed.
• Appropriately utilizes team members, according to their abilities and position description.
• Identifies lactation consultant nurse role to patient, family, and health team members.
• Communicates patient status to other health team members, such as physicians, dietitians, nurses, social services, and discharge planners.
• Utilizes social services and all resources to promote, restore, and maintain optimal health care for patient and/or family.
• Assists the clinical instructor in providing clinical learning experiences for nursing students.
• Provides education and support about pumping for the mother whose infant or infants transfer to NICU.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education:           

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:         

Two (2) years of experience in a hospital as a staff nurse required.

Licensure Requirement:      

Must have and maintain current Tennessee nursing license. Certification by the International Board of Lactation Examiners (IBCLE) within 18 months of starting the position.