RN Lactation Consultant - Peds Dept

MPF Federal•Portsmouth, VA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

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 is pursuant to the Service Contract Act. 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.

Requirements

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
Associates Degree in Nursing
Graduate from a college or university accredited by ACEN or CCNE
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
Current, full, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license
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)

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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