Milk Laboratory Technician

Essential Functions

• Manages receiving and labeling of mother's human milk and donor milk according to procedure.
• When collecting and preparing milk/ formula performs patient identification in accordance with the system policy. Performs bar code scanning of all human milk containers using feeding management system.
• Prepares individualized human milk feeding one patient at a time, always for safety.
• After hand hygiene performed, prepares infant and pediatric formulas/human milk according to recipes and follows procedures for preparation, sterilization, labeling, cooling, storage, and delivery of formulas to patient units.
• Uses advanced math skills to provide detailed calculations for all additives and fortifiers placed in Human milk.
• Follows system policy for patient identification when handling, thawing, mixing, fortifying, and distributing Human Milk. Performs identification of human milk containers using human milk scanning and feeding management system.
• Labels all supplements and formulas individually prior to distribution, including all required information in accordance with system policy.
• Verifies orders for accuracy and obtains clarification as needed from registered dietitian or ordering provider.
• Reviews product inventory and communicates ordering needs for all neonatal formulas, donor breast milk, human milk fortifiers, and other related products.
• Uses clinical information systems to obtain patient feeding orders and to print labels and production lists; communicates with allied health care personnel regarding feeding orders.
• Stocks nutrition room with all needed supplies.
• Follows Hand Hygiene policy and aseptic technique for handling all feeding products.
• Tracks patient and product usage, providing feedback to manager as needed.
• Disposes unused/expired feedings according to established protocol.
• Follows Advocate system policy for use of PPE including gloves, gown, hair covering, and masks.
• Performs High touch cleaning as directed and performs audits for compliance.
• Labels all clean and dirty equipment after cleaning.
• Provides a safe environment for patients.
• Disassembles and cleans various infant feeding equipment as needed. Cleans storage bins after each patient use.
• Uses correct and accurate technique to measure powders and liquids and demonstrates proper use of all prep room equipment including a gram scale, milk warmers, and dishwashers.
• Maintains knowledge and technical skills by attendance at in-services, unit meetings.
• Participates in Neonatal ICU Performance Improvement initiatives as requested.
• Communicates MRM associate on ordering processes, stock issues, and reformulations.
• Communicates with Registered Dietitian, provider, RN, lactation consultant and manager regarding after-hours formula processes.
• Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, families, teammates and others.
• Communicates with dietitians, lactation consultants, nurses, unit managers and providers regarding problems with formula or human milk orders or storage.
• Demonstrates high level of professionalism and problem-solving abilities related to ensuring order in electronic health record is accurate, feeding is prepared accurately, supply is adequate, with attention to timeliness of production schedule and advocates for breastmilk management that prevents waste.

Physical Requirements

Requires standing for long periods of time, sitting, frequent moving about on foot, stooping, kneeling, twisting, crouching, or bending, frequent reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction and handling by seizing holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with the hand(s). Finger dexterity required. Must be able to see objects at a distance; must be able to discriminate color occasionally and perceive depth rarely. Requires occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Infant Feeding Technician or Breastmilk/Infant Formula Technician Certificate completed from an approved program preferred.
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require use of basic scientific, mathematical or technical principles required.
• Dietetic Technician, Registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration preferred.
• Associate degree in an applied science with 6 to 12 months of clinical experience preferred.
• 1 year experience working in medical field, pediatric population preferred.