Milk Lab Technician

Job Summary: The Milk Lab Technician is responsible for the preparation, labeling, storage, and delivery of all feedings in the NICU and other assigned areas. This will include human milk feedings (expressed breast milk, and pasteurized donor human milk) as well as ready to feed formula. The Milk Lab Tech is responsible for calculating, preparing, delivering and monitoring specialized formula, modulated infant or pediatric formulas, human milk, and medical nutrition supplements. They adhere to food safety and sanitation regulations and standards established by regulating agencies and the health care facility. They perform inventory management, operate feeding preparation equipment, maintain competence in electronic documentation system and the bar-coded safety system, maintain sanitation in the feeding preparation room, perform quality improvement activities, complete temperature / sanitization records, and communicate information through various telecommunication modes. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to read, write, and perform necessary mathematical tasks acquired through a high school diploma. Must have the ability to pass a math competency test. Must demonstrate basic computer skills. Must be able to resolve problems and respond to simple written or verbal instructions. Must have interpersonal skills which are necessary to gather and share information with the multidisciplinary team in a courteous and professional manner.  

Responsibilities:

• Prepares feedings accurately according to established written formulations following pre-established feeding preparation procedures and adhering to quality control standards and aseptic technique.
• Uses correct and accurate technique to measure powders and liquids.  
• Verifies new or questionable feeding orders with registered dietitian for accuracy and obtains standardized recipes as needed.  
• Uses clinical information system to obtain patient feeding orders and to print labels and production lists.  
• Maintains competence in computer/printer systems and Milk Lab equipment.  
• Stores prepared feedings properly until delivery to units.  
• Delivers prepared feedings properly to unit refrigerators.  
• Cleans and sanitizes work surfaces in the Milk Lab before and after each feeding preparation. Cleans utensils, equipment, and storage areas used in the Milk Lab.  
• Calculates new formulations or standardized recipes manually or with software and obtains verification of those formulations with registered dietitian.  
• Prepares and maintains log sheets and prepares audit and data tracking as needed.  Description of duty/responsibility: 
• The duties listed are general in nature and are examples of the duties and responsibilities performed and are not meant to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Management retains the right to add or change duties at any time.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Requires no exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environment such as high noise level and exposure to heat and cold, no handling or working with potentially dangerous equipment, no working hours beyond regularly scheduled hours, no travelling to offsite locations, no activities subject to significant volume changes of a seasonal/clinical nature, occasional work produced is subject to precise measures of quantity and quality, frequent bending, constant lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds, no lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds, no lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds, no lifting/carrying up to 75 pounds, no lifting/carrying up to100 pounds, no lifting/carrying 100 pounds or more, no climbing, no crawling, frequent crouching/stooping, no driving, frequent kneeling, frequent pushing/pulling, frequent reaching, constant sitting, frequent standing, occasional twisting, and frequent walking. (Occasional-up to 20%, frequent-from 21% to 50%, constant-51% or more)

Education & Experience

High school diploma or GED and one of the following:

• Six (6) months of experience working in a healthcare hospital tech (or equivalent) position.
• Pharmacy technician registration with the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy.
• Pharmacy Tech certification with the Pharmacy Tech Certification board.
• CPT Certification administered by the National Health Career Association  

Certifications, Licenses or Registration Required:  N/A