RN Lactation - Per Diem
About the Role
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 in Nursing (required).
Licenses and Credentials: Registered Nurse (RN – State License); Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification; Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC – required); International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC – preferred).
Experience: 1–2 years of clinical acute‑care hospital nursing experience (required); 1–2 years in a similar role providing direct care and lactation support (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.
Physical Requirements
- Standing – Frequently (34‑66%)
- Walking – Frequently (34‑66%)
- Sitting – Occasionally (3‑33%)
- Lifting – Frequently (34‑66%) – 35 lbs+ (with assisted device)
- Carrying – Frequently (34‑66%) – 20 lbs – 35 lbs
- Pushing – Occasionally (3‑33%)
- Pulling – Occasionally (3‑33%)
- Climbing – Rarely (less than 2%)
- Balancing – Frequently (34‑66%)
- Stooping – Occasionally (3‑33%)
- Kneeling – Occasionally (3‑33%)
- Crouching – Occasionally (3‑33%)
- Crawling – Rarely (less than 2%)
- Reaching – Frequently (34‑66%)
- Gross Manipulation (Handling) – Frequently (34‑66%)
- Fine Manipulation (Fingering) – Frequently (34‑66%)
- Feeling – Constantly (67‑100%)
- Vision – Far: Constantly (67‑100%)
- Vision – Near: Constantly (67‑100%)
- Talking – Constantly (67‑100%)
- Hearing – Constantly (67‑100%)
Pay
Hourly rate: $38.71 – $53.29.
Schedule
Per Diem employee type; Day shift; On‑site work location at 789 Central Avenue.
Benefits
In addition to competitive base pay, the organization offers comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums, bonuses, and recognition programs designed to support professional growth.