The posting
Position Title:
Milk Lab Technician - Neonatal ICU (Shift: 1:30 PM - 11 PM)
Department:
Neonatal ICU
Job Description:
General Summary
Responsible for the handling, storage, mixing and dispensing of human milk, human milk fortifiers, and formula feedings for neonatal and pediatric patients. This includes maintaining the milk storage environment, ensuring an accurate account of all human milk received and dispensed, and managing all milk storage supplies. Involves close collaboration with nursing leadership, staff nurses, lactation consultants, prescribing physicians, and mothers of patients.
Essential Responsibilities
Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.
- Educate staff on proper handling, storage, and preparation of human milk and formulas.
- Prepare infant and pediatric feedings using aseptic technique in accordance with established policies.
- Review and verify diet orders for accuracy and compliance with patient requirements.
- Order, stock, and maintain supplies to meet patient and lab needs.
- Monitor refrigeration equipment and ensure proper disposal of expired products.
- Store human milk, milk products, and formulas under correct cleanliness, temperature, and time guidelines.
- Label all containers with patient identifiers, bar codes, date/time, prescribed feeding, and expiration.
- Mix human milk with fortifiers and formulas exactly as directed by prescribing clinicians.
- Maintain a clean lab environment, including hand hygiene, equipment sanitation, and container cleanliness.
- Restrict lab access to authorized personnel to ensure safety and security.
- Ensure safe distribution of milk through accurate barcoding and labeling systems.
- Follow all safety policies, use appropriate protective equipment, and report unsafe conditions promptly.
- Report all unsafe conditions to supervisors immediately, and consult them when procedures or safety concerns are unclear.
General Responsibilities
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education Requirements
- HS Diploma or GED required.
Experience Requirements
- No experience required.
- Experience in a clinical/medical environment preferred.
License/Certification/Registration Requirements
- No certification required.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking and follow aseptic techniques in the safe handling, preparation, and dispensing of human milk, fortifiers, and formulas.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively resolve concerns and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Understanding of current research and best practices in human milk storage, handling, mixing, and distribution.
- Commitment to implementing and maintaining practices that ensure the highest level of patient safety in neonatal and pediatric nutrition.
- Ability to establish and sustain a clean, safe, and optimal environment for milk preparation and feeding.
