Milk Lab Tech

Department: Clinical Nutrition

Position Number: 50069821

Hours of Work: Casual; Days

Pay Band: $33.23-$36.49

Union: OPSEU4106 Non-Central

Location: Kingston General Hospital Site

DESCRIPTION:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values and strategic directions of Kingston Health Sciences (KHSC) and organizational and departmental policies, procedures, and standards, the milk lab technician is committed to provide safe, high quality care in breast milk and infant formula management for the pediatric and NICU environments. Under the supervision of the Professional Practice Leader for Clinical Nutrition, the milk lab technician will receive, aseptically prepare, store, and distribute human expressed breast milk (EBM), donor breast milk (DBM), and infant formula for the NICU and Pediatrics units. Also, they will be responsible to support formula decanting for the well newborn program to support the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI). The Milk Lab Tech will be expected to collaborate regularly with the registered dietitians assigned to NICU and Pediatrics as well as other regulated health professionals to receive and confirm infant and pediatric nutrition orders.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Collect EBM from fridges in NICU nurseries or pass thru fridge. Confirm dates and times with bedside RN or parent. Receive DBM upon delivery.

• Scan EBM and DBM and store appropriately in the fridge or freezer.

• Rotate all EBM and DBM in freezer in FIFO (First In, First Out Method). Remove any expired product and dispose in an appropriate manner and inform parent.

• Collect daily feeding orders for each patient.

• Review orders and clarify or verify calculations for accuracy with prescriber. Calculate volume and number of feeds required for 24 hr period.

• Print accurate labels for each day's feedings.

• Prepare EBM, DBM and infant formulas following aseptic technique and established Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Involves following hand hygiene, PPE procedures, sanitizing work surfaces and supplies/equipment, and precise measurements for each order.

• Accurately use preparation equipment including laminar airflow hood, gram scale, graduated cylinders, beakers, spatulas, stir rods/whisks, weigh tray/dish, and funnels, refrigerators, freezers, dishwasher, etc.

• Store prepared EBM, DBM, and infant formulas appropriately until ready to deliver to units.

• Efficiently deliver all prepared EBM, DBM, and infant formula to NICU or Pediatrics Units and store in fridge at bedside or in medication room.

• Package all fresh or frozen EBM and deliver to NICU for discharged patients.

• Complete daily census sheets for numbers of formula and breast milk feeds prepared.

• Monitors equipment function and maintains data for audits, including but not limited to temperature logs of refrigerator and freezers according to established standards. Escalates to PPL for direction when values are out of acceptable range and takes corrective action as directed. Reports equipment malfunction to maintenance and the PPL immediately.

• Cleans and sanitizes work area daily according to established procedures to ensure that aseptic conditions are maintained, including the preparation space and equipment required for the labelling, handling, preparation and storage of DM/EBM and infant formula. Performs additional cleaning tasks as per schedule and following SOPs to maintain an aseptic environment.

• Clean and sanitize all work surfaces in the milk preparation room before and after each recipe preparation as per the SOP.

• Communicates with clinical staff regarding inventory management, such as alerting nursing staff of EBM shortages and requesting alternative orders if EBM supply is not available.

• Organizes stock and maintains inventory areas according to established SOP.

• Establishes, reviews and revises minimum expected levels of stock (par levels); rotates stock and monitors shelf-life of inventory. Reports product and delivery problems to PPL.

• Determines weekly formula and supply requirements; communicates orders to Nutrition Services or KHSC Stores as applicable and receives supplies. Identifies potential supply shortfalls and communicates these to the PPL.

• Notifies PPL when off formulary product ordered.

• Maintains inventory of DBM and communicates orders appropriately.

• Review orders.

• Scan EBM and DBM upon receiving.

• Print patient labels.

• Label and scan all prepared orders.

• Enter new orders under babies profile.

• Participate in quality assurance or improvement activities Attend relevant departmental or program meetings.

• Collect performance indicator data as required.

• Assist in training of dietetic interns and dietetic technician students.

• Maintain/develop a knowledge level which supports competent practice in assigned patient care area(s) through participating in self-development activities, mentorship, and relevant education resources.

• Complete workload measurement statistics and time sheets.

• Complete KHSC Learning Management System corporate training courses as assigned.

• Adhere to worker responsibilities as set out in the Occupational Health & Safety Act, hospital safety policies, and dept/unit established procedures at all time.

• Take corrective action to address a hazard where possible, otherwise reports the unresolved hazard, dangerous circumstance, unsafe situation to self, other co-workers or the community, to their supervisor.

• Advise supervisor if they incur a workplace injury or illness; actively participate in identifying and resolving the underlying cause(s), and participates in early and safe return to work as per Workplace Safety & Insurance Act.

• Understands and is familiar with all pertinent KHSC policies and procedures including those relating to workplace conduct. Complies with the KHSC Commitment to uphold the Workplace Conduct and Reporting of Inappropriate Conduct policy and behaves in a manner that is consistent with the guiding principles and expectations.

Note: A complete job description is available in People Services.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Equivalent diploma program accredited by the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM).

• Canadian accredited undergraduate University program in food and nutrition or equivalent preferred.

• Dietetic Technician, Laboratory Technician or Pharmacy Technician diploma program preferred.

• Three (3) years recent experience in an acute care clinical or nutrition setting preferred.

• Have excellent communication and time management skills.

• Strong mathematical skills (a skills test will be administered).

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a team based environment.

• Able to cope with stressful situations in patient care areas.

• Demonstrated proficiencies with computer applications.

• Have demonstrated knowledge of nutritional products and accessories used in EBM or formula preparation.

• Proven ability to organize work effectively, and in a routine and efficient manner.

• Excellent problem-solving skills, ability to deal with conflict and communicate appropriately with families and staff.

• Demonstrated compliance with hospital infection prevention and control practices.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of sterile techniques including working within a laminar flow hood is preferred.

• Proven good attendance record.

• Satisfactory criminal reference check and vulnerable sector search required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The applicant must meet the physical demands of the position.

KHSC is located on the ancestral lands and waters of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee and serves a wider geographical area that encompasses many Indigenous communities including Tyendinaga, Katarokwi, as well as communities within the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. As we partner in care, discovery, and learning to achieve better health outcomes for our communities, KHSC is committed to actively advocating for and acting upon the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action on Health.

Unless specifically stated, all job postings are for existing positions at KHSC. KHSC is committed to recruitment practices that support and contribute to building a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace in compliance with legislation such as the Employment Standards Act and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We welcome all applications from women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, persons in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and members of other equity deserving groups.

Kingston Health Sciences Centre may use artificial intelligence systems to assess and screen applicants. All hiring decisions are made in accordance with KHSC policies and applicable employment legislation.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for next steps will be contacted. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Recruitment Team.