Neonatal Milk Technician - NICU

NEONATAL MILK TECHNICIAN - NEONATAL ICU JOB SUMMARY AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Neonatal Milk Technician is responsible for the safe receipt, storage, preparation, delivery and management of human milk and specialized enteral formulas as ordered in the electronic medical record (EMR).
The Milk Technician adheres to preparation techniques in accordance with all sanitation regulations and standards established by regulating agencies and the medical center, including all policies and procedures.
Retrieves, reviews and verifies patient, human milk and/or formula orders via electronic medical record (EMR).
These include and are not limited to fresh/frozen mom's own human milk, donor human milk and neonatal formulas.
Clarifies orders with the patient care team as necessary.
Accurately calculates human milk/formula additives and mixes ingredients according to provider orders using aseptic technique.
Ensures labeling of milk is complete and up-to-date per policy using electronic scanning system.
Provides patients with labels for milk deposits and after the parent places the label on the bottle, the technician ensures that the milk is collected and properly placed in the appropriate refrigerator or freezer bin.
Delivers prepared human milk and/or formula to the designated location in an accurate and timely manner.
Monitors inventory of patient specific milk deposits.
Reviews milk daily for expiration and discards according to an established protocol.
Ensures that refrigerators are functioning within appropriate temperature ranges.
Monitors temperature and function of each freezer and refrigerator in the neonatal intensive care unit for correct range and notify clinical staff if temperature falls outside of specified range.
Maintains a clean, sanitary, safe, and orderly formula/human milk lab.
Ensures department standards are met and all cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting activities of storage areas, preparation areas and equipment are conducted.
Maintains an organized milk prep area with proper supplies to include the ordering, receiving and stocking of all related items, ensuring that products are compliant with all current codes and are acceptable for use.
Performs documentation in accordance with policies and procedures and in compliance with federal, state, and local health regulations.
Prepares and maintains required records, reports and files for administrative and compliance purposes.
Maintains patient medical records and logs.
Utilizes computer systems to enter and retrieve data.
Interacts and communicates with patients and colleagues in a customer responsive and courteous manner in compliance with Brand Promise promoting patient/customer satisfaction.
Collaborates with patient care team as well as the dietitians to coordinate and implement daily activities and regarding concerns related to human milk and/or formula orders, mixing ingredients, storage, and administration.
Adheres to established departmental and organizational policies, compliance/quality improvement, safety, environment and infection control standards.
Assists in care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.
Provides coverage for relief and absences as required covering various shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.
MACHINES OR EQUIPMENT OPERATED: Milk warmer, calculator, thermometer, scanner, computer, label printer, electronic medical record, scissors and weight scale.
JOB REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent required.
Completion of a Dietetic Technician program or equivalent preferred.
EXPERIENCE: Six to twelve months of related experience or equivalent education/experience.
Certification as a Dietetic Technician may be utilized in lieu of experience.
Knowledge of milk preparation, measurement and sanitary techniques preferred.
Basic math and computer skills required.
Ability to comprehend medical terminology required.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing required.
Work requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Ability to follow human milk preparation procedures correctly and knowledge of/experience with aseptic technique; Demonstrated mathematical ability sufficient to perform calculations.
Attention to detail being exacting, precise, and accurate; Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team; Excellent verbal, written and/or interpersonal communication skills; Understands and shows respect and appreciation for the uniqueness of all individuals; appreciating cultural differences and adjusting one's approach to successfully integrate with others who are different from oneself.
Proficient computer skills such as Outlook, MS Word, Excel PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Constant standing, walking, lifting, bending to perform tasks, complete orders and access supplies; exposure to infectious agents and bodily fluids; manual dexterity and visual acuity to mix ingredients and performs data entry.
Light work requiring exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Ability to work under stress.
Location: Regional One Health · Rout Neonatal ICU Schedule: Part-time, Day shift, 9:00am-4:00pm