Milk Technician - Pediatrics

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate.  We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways. 

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters.  Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today! 

The Milk Technician is responsible for the preparation, delivery and monitoring of human milk, donor milk, infant and pediatric formulas and enteral nutrition products. This role ensures adherence to all food safety, sanitation regulations and standards established by regulatory agencies and the healthcare facility. The technician uses feeding preparation equipment, maintains sanitation in prep areas, performs inventory, and communicates effectively with allied health team members. This role also includes participation in quality improvement activities and complies with federal, state and local regulations.

Job Description

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

Required - High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred - Associate's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Dietetic Services

Work Experience

Required - experience in healthcare, food service or related field

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain compliance with Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) guidelines.
• Ability to perform accurate calculations related to preparation, storage, and distribution processes.
• Ability to consistently follow standardized steps for milk preparation, receiving and shipping and maintain inventory of supplies needed to accomplish assigned duties.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Ability to withstand frequent interruptions and moderate noise level. 
• Ability to function calmly under pressure. 

Job Duties

• Human Milk and Formula: Preparation: Verify patient-specific feeding orders using 2 patient identifiers (e.g. name & medical record number) before preparing and labeling human milk, donor milk, or formula to ensure the right product is provided to the right patient.  Calculate, prepare, label, and store human milk, donor milk, and formula, using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.  Prepare feedings according to patient specific orders and dietician instructions using aseptic techniques.  Receive, store, thaw, and monitor the expiration of human milk and formula, discarding expired products per facility protocols.
• Documentation and Communication: Prior to delivering feedings, confirm patient identity at the bedside using two patient identifiers to ensure accurate matching of nutrition products to patient profiles, reducing risks of errors. Update computerized patient feeding profiles and generate production lists. Maintain accurate records of prepared feedings, production logs, and sanitation documentation. Communicate effectively with supervisors, dietitians, and healthcare team members regarding patient feeding needs and order discrepancies.
• Inventory Management: Track inventory, order supplies, and rotate stock to ensure availability of human milk and formula. Record freezer and refrigerator temperatures and monitor proper storage conditions. Remove damaged or outdated products from inventory and dispose of them per facility guidelines.
• Sanitation & Safety: Maintain sanitation and organization of preparation and storage areas, ensuring compliance with HACCP guidelines. Clean and sanitize equipment, preparation tools, and surfaces in accordance with regulatory standards. Adhere to strict hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and scrubbing protocols.
• Education & Training: Train new employees and dietetic students on preparation procedures and department policies. Participate in in-service education programs and continuing education opportunities.
• Quality Control: Perform quality assurance monitoring activities, including maintaining logs for prepared feedings and temperature records. Identify and report unsafe conditions and equipment malfunctions to supervisors.
• Additional Duties: Secure the enteral nutrition room at the end of each shift. Assist in workflow adjustments based on supply and demand. Prepare daily census sheets and feeding unit reports for patient tracking.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and support departmental goals. 

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work.  (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.  

Mechanical lifting devices (carts, dollies, etc.) or team lifts should be utilized.
Must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.
Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.

Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. T