RN Lactation Consultant - Peds Dept

MPF Federal is seeking a qualified Registered Nurse (RN) – Lactation Consultant to support the Pediatric Department at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. This position is designated as mission essential and requires onsite clinical support during all scheduled clinic hours, including federally recognized holidays.

Compensation: $36.50 Per hour

The RN Lactation Consultant will promote, protect, and support breastfeeding initiatives across the organization while delivering patient-centered care in accordance with established nursing standards, hospital policies, and evidence-based lactation practices.

Work Schedule & Hours

• Primary Service Hours: Monday through Friday, 0600–1800
• Shift Length: 8.5 to 10.5-hour shifts
• Includes a 30–60 minute uncompensated meal break
• Weekend Requirement: Approximately one (1) weekend per month on a rotational basis
• Scheduling: Varied shifts Sunday through Saturday
• Maximum Hours: Not to exceed eighty (80) hours per two-week period, inclusive of weekend and holiday services
• Services required on all federally recognized holidays

Core Responsibilities

The Registered Nurse Lactation Consultant will provide services within the scope of practice and clinic policies, including but not limited to:

Lactation Program Leadership & Education

• Actively promote breastfeeding throughout the Medical Treatment Facility
• Develop and implement standards of care and breastfeeding guidelines
• Collaborate with Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Family Practice, and Childbirth Education departments
• Organize educational materials and prepare marketing materials to promote breastfeeding initiatives
• Serve as a clinical expert and resource for breastfeeding mothers and healthcare staff

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Provide lactation consultations and breastfeeding assessments
• Educate mothers and families on breastfeeding techniques, positioning, pumping, milk storage, and newborn feeding patterns
• Develop individualized care plans for breastfeeding support
• Assess and manage common lactation complications
• Document patient care in accordance with established clinical standards
• Respond effectively in emergency patient situations following established protocols

Documentation & Health Information Systems

• Perform timely, accurate, and concise documentation of patient care
• Operate and maintain proficiency in automated systems including MHS GENESIS, ADS, CIS, and other clinical information systems
• Maintain legible records in accordance with clinic directives
• Respond to DOD email and voicemail communications as required

Performance Improvement & Compliance

• Participate in peer review and performance improvement activities
• Comply with infection control policies and aseptic techniques
• Participate in the Family Advocacy Program as directed
• Attend and complete all required annual training, including disaster preparedness, infection control, CBRNE, and other mandatory MTF training
• Participate in in-service training and provide clinical direction to supporting staff (e.g., corpsmen, students)
• Attend meetings as directed and contribute to quality improvement initiatives

Team Collaboration & Professional Practice

• Maintain productivity comparable to peers in similar roles
• Exercise appropriate clinical delegation and coordinate care among healthcare team members
• Maintain professional accountability and awareness of legal and ethical considerations
• Support a safe, respectful, and patient-centered care environment
• Participate in continuing education to support professional growth

Physical & Work Environment

• Hospital-based clinical setting within the Pediatric Department
• Frequent standing, walking, and patient interaction
• Exposure to infectious diseases and medical hazards consistent with healthcare settings

Requirements

Competencies

• Strong clinical lactation knowledge and assessment skills
• Ability to educate and counsel patients and families effectively
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• Knowledge of infection control and patient safety procedures
• Proficiency with electronic medical record systems
• Professional communication and interpersonal skills

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Associates Degree in Nursing

Graduate from a college or university accredited by ACEN or CCNE

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year of experience within the last two (2) years as a Registered Nurse
• Two (2) letters of recommendation written within the last two (2) years attesting to clinical competence
• At least one (1) letter must be from a physician or nurse practitioner who has personally observed the candidate’s clinical skills
• Reference letters must include name, title, phone number, date, address, and signature of the individual providing the reference

Licensure

Current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license

Certifications

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
• Current certification as a Lactation Consultant through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE)

Benefits

MPF Federal 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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. We offer a competitive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical benefits, PTO, holiday pay and more.

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MPF Federal is a team of highly experienced professionals dedicated to our clients’ needs. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD and we serve both the Federal Government and commercial clients. Established in 2012, MPF is a SBA Certified HUB Zone and Woman Owned SDB, DUNS# 078461876.

Our diverse team of professionals draws on a mixture of results-oriented methodologies and business savvy that bridges the gap between client requirements and results. We set measurable, ambitious performance standards and produce rapid results. Whether located at our corporate facilities or at one of our customers’ locations, we focus on achieving and surpassing measurable objectives on time and within budget. We foster an environment that facilitates success in all of our core business areas.