Job Description

Purpose & Scope:

The Childbirth Educator provides childbirth education to expectant parents. This instruction includes a healthy pregnancy, the childbirth process, breastfeeding, parenting, and the postpartum period.The position requires intimate knowledge of both department and hospital policies and procedures relevant to the delivery of care at Virginia Hospital Center. The ability to communicate and present information about the childbirth process in an effective manner is essential. Must stay current with changes in labor and delivery technology and in the postpartum period. The IBCLC Certified Childbirth Educator provides education and support specific to breastfeeding and facilitates the Breastfeeding Support Group.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.

Experience:

One year of child/maternal experience is required.

Certification/Licensure:

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is required.

Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Virginia Department of Health Professions or Compact State Licensure in Nursing is preferred.

Certification in Childbirth Education is Preferred

BLS Certification is required.

Physical Requirements:

Patient Care: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential function of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions: The employee must possess physical capabilities in an amount equal to the physical demands made in the performance of the job by: Very hard work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Cope with the mental and emotional stress associated with this position. Operate office machines safely and in accordance with hospital Safety Standards. Push patients on stretchers, wheelchairs or beds from one area to another. Bending: lowering the body forward from the waist. Stooping: bending body forward and downward by bending legs and spine at the waist through use of the lower extremities and back muscles. Kneeling: bending legs at knee to come to rest on knee or knees. Crouching: bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine. Twisting: moving body from waist, using a turning motion. Reaching: extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Standing: assuming an upright position, on the feet particularly, for sustained periods of time. Walking:  moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances. Pushing/Pulling:  using upper extremities to press or drag objects in a sustained motion of 30-50 pounds. Lifting: raising objects and people from a lower to higher position or moving objects or people horizontally from position-to-position through the use of the upper extremities and back muscles, of between 50-100 pounds. Repetitive Motions: sustained and continuous movements of the wrist, hands and/or fingers; Finger Dexterity: feeling and grasping. Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word those activities in which detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed accurately, loudly or quickly. Visual Acuity: the power to see at a level which allows reading of numbers and text, operation of equipment, inspections of machines, etc. Able to perform components of Basic Life Support if applicable. 
 

Working Conditions:

Patient Care: Works in well-lighted/ventilated office/clinical setting. Subject to frequent interruptions. Subject to long hours, changing shifts. May be required to work beyond normal working hours when requested to do so, e.g., overtime, on call. Routine occupational exposure to infectious diseases, blood borne pathogens, bodily fluids, hazardous chemicals, noxious odors, latex, and/or musculoskeletal injuries. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed for instances of exposure to blood, body fluids and infectious processes, and are supplied by the hospital. Involved with patients, family members, co-workers, and visitors under all conditions, e.g. hostile and/or emotionally upset, disoriented or combative.