RN - Maternal Newborn - Lactation Per Diem

Job Summary

Responsible for providing specialized care to mothers and infants related to breastfeeding and lactation. Works closely with patients to educate, assess, and offer support to ensure successful breastfeeding practices.

Essential Functions

• Educate mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding and provide guidance on proper latch, positioning, and feeding techniques.
• Offer advice on managing common breastfeeding challenges such as nipple pain, engorgement, and low milk supply.
• Provide guidance on pumping, storage, and handling of breast milk.
• Conduct thorough assessments of mothers and infants to identify any breastfeeding or lactation problems.
• Develop individualized care plans to address breastfeeding issues and monitor progress over time.
• Work with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to ensure appropriate feeding strategies for preterm or medically fragile babies.

Qualifications

Education: Associate's Degree Nursing required. Experience in lieu of a degree is not accepted.

Licenses and Credentials: Registered Nurse [RN - State License] required; Basic Life Support [BLS Certification] required; Certified Lactation Consultant [CLC Certification] required; International Board Certified Lactation Consultant [IBCLC Certification] preferred.

Experience: Clinical acute care hospital nursing experience 1-2 years required; Experience in a similar role, providing direct care and lactation support 1-2 years preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts in a compassionate, easy-to-understand manner.
• Strong knowledge of patient assessment, particularly in identifying breastfeeding difficulties such as a poor latch or ineffective feeding.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to address a wide range of lactation-related issues.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, pediatricians, and nurses.
• Social sensitivity and an understanding of various practices related to breastfeeding.
• Teaching and training abilities to educate both patients and hospital staff on breastfeeding and lactation management.