Lactation Specialist-PRN
About The Position
The Lactation Specialist provides inpatient lactation support, education, and clinical guidance to breastfeeding parents and infants. The role supports optimal breastfeeding outcomes through patient assessment, individualized care planning, collaboration with staff, and evidence-based lactation interventions. The Specialist serves as a resource to nurses, physicians, and other healthcare team members; contributes to departmental education; and participates in developing lactation-related policies and quality initiatives. The role promotes consistent, family-centered care and ensures comprehensive documentation of lactation assessments and patient progress. The position requires physical activity including frequent walking and standing, use of arms and hands, and bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting. It also requires lifting up to 35 pounds, pushing and pulling up to 20 pounds, working in confined spaces, and reaching above or overhead. The Specialist must have auditory and visual skills, including color determination, and must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Potential hazards include exposure to radiation, toxic chemicals, and bloodborne pathogens. The role requires critical thinking, analytical skills, multitasking, effective communication and collaboration, and the ability to cope with difficult situations. Irregular hours, including evenings, nights, and weekends, may be required.
Requirements
- International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification, or completion of a lactation educator training program upon hire, application to sit for the IBCLC exam within 6 months of hire, and successful passage of the exam within 1 year of hire.
- AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting 35 pounds and pushing and pulling 20 pounds.
- Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings, nights, and weekends.
- Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Nice To Haves
- Associate’s degree in nursing, Health Education, Nutrition, or a related healthcare field.
- Current Virginia Registered Nurse (RN) license or multistate compact RN license.
- One year of Women & Infant clinical experience.
- Prior experience providing breastfeeding or human lactation counseling.
- Relevant experience in breastfeeding support, maternal–infant health, perinatal education, or an allied clinical role, such as LPN/LVN, doula, childbirth educator, RD/RDN, midwifery, public health, or infant development.
Responsibilities
- Provide inpatient lactation consultations, breastfeeding assessments, and evidence-based guidance for postpartum patients and infants.
- Support high-risk parent–infant dyads, including premature or medically complex infants.
- Demonstrate fundamental breastfeeding techniques and manage uncomplicated lactation concerns.
- Develop and deliver breastfeeding education to parents individually or in group sessions.
- Assist in evaluating and updating antepartum and postpartum teaching materials.
- Provide telephone follow-up support and counseling to breastfeeding families as needed.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and allied health teams to develop coordinated lactation plans.
- Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and unit-based maternal–infant care initiatives.
- Serve as a staff resource regarding breastfeeding management best practices and clinical standards.
- Assist with ongoing in-service training for neonatal, obstetric, and pediatric nursing staff.
- Help improve clinical competency and consistency of practice across inpatient units.
- Contribute to developing, implementing, and evaluating departmental lactation policies and procedures.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and departmental committees.
- Assist with evaluating and maintaining breastfeeding equipment and supplies.
- Document patient assessments, teaching, interventions, and progress in the electronic medical record.
- Communicate relevant clinical and administrative information to departmental leadership.
- Follow hospital safety protocols and infection control procedures.
- Promptly report equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, and patient, staff, or visitor incidents.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Education Level
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