Lactation Consultant - Postpartum

MPF Federal is seeking a qualified Registered Nurse (RN) – Lactation Consultant to support the Maternal Child Department (Postpartum) 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 (SCA).

The RN Lactation Consultant will promote, protect, and support breastfeeding initiatives across the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) 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

Meal Break: 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

Holiday Requirement: Services required on all federally recognized holidays

Recognized holidays include:
New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Mission Essential & Work Authorization

This labor category is designated as mission essential .

The contract worker must be a United States Citizen and must be available to provide services during all scheduled clinic hours, including holidays.

In the event of unplanned facility closures due to natural disaster, military emergency, severe weather, pandemic, or Government-directed closure (outside of planned closures), the contract worker will be compensated for personal services during the closure.

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
• Support existing programs including OB, Childbirth Education, and Breastfeeding classes
• Collaborate with Pediatrics, Family Practice, and OB/GYN departments to support coordinated patient education
• Organize and prepare educational and marketing materials to promote breastfeeding initiatives
• Serve as a clinical expert and resource for breastfeeding mothers and healthcare staff

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Provide comprehensive lactation consultations to postpartum patients
• Perform breastfeeding assessments including latch evaluation, milk transfer, feeding patterns, and maternal-infant interaction
• Educate mothers and families on breastfeeding techniques, positioning, pumping, milk storage, and newborn feeding cues
• Develop individualized lactation care plans and provide follow-up support as appropriate
• Assess and manage common lactation complications including engorgement, mastitis, nipple trauma, low milk supply, and related concerns
• Respond effectively and calmly in emergency patient situations in accordance with established protocols
• Anticipate potential problems and intervene appropriately

Documentation & Health Information Systems

• Perform timely, accurate, and concise documentation of patient care
• Maintain legible records in accordance with clinic directives
• Operate and maintain proficiency in automated systems including MHS GENESIS, ADS, CIS, and other clinical information systems
• Participate in Performance Improvement (PI) and Risk Management (RM) activities as directed
• Maintain and respond to DOD email and voicemail communications as required

Performance Improvement & Compliance

• Maintain productivity comparable to peers performing similar services
• Participate in peer review and the MTF Performance Improvement Program
• Comply with infection control policies, aseptic techniques, and universal precautions
• Properly handle, store, and dispose of infectious waste
• Participate in the implementation of the Family Advocacy Program, including appropriate documentation and reporting
• Attend and complete all required annual training including disaster preparedness, infection control, Sexual Harassment prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens, Fire and Safety, CBRNE, MHS GENESIS training, and other mandatory MTF training
• Provide in-service education and clinical direction to supporting government personnel (e.g., hospital corpsmen, students)
• Attend meetings as directed

Team Collaboration & Professional Practice

• Exercise appropriate clinical delegation and coordinate care among healthcare team members
• Maintain awareness of legal and ethical considerations in patient care
• Practice with professional accountability and responsibility
• 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 Maternal Child/Postpartum Department
• Frequent standing, walking, and direct patient interaction
• Exposure to infectious diseases and medical hazards consistent with healthcare settings

Requirements

Competencies

• Strong clinical lactation knowledge and breastfeeding 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
• Strong professional communication and interpersonal skills

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s 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 and evaluated 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 an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) 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.