Magnet Medical is seeking a travel nurse RN Labor and Delivery for a travel nursing job in Kealakekua, Hawaii.
Job Description & Requirements
- Specialty: Labor and Delivery
- Discipline: RN
- Start Date: 05/12/2025
- Duration: 13 weeks
- 40 hours per week
- Shift: 8 hours, days
- Employment Type: Travel
A Registered Nurse (RN) - Lactation Consultant is a nursing professional with specialized expertise in breastfeeding support and lactation management. This RN provides direct care, education, and guidance to breastfeeding mothers to help them successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding. They work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health centers, assisting mothers with lactation challenges, offering solutions to common breastfeeding issues, and promoting breastfeeding as the preferred method of infant feeding. The Lactation Consultant collaborates with other healthcare providers to support the health and well-being of both the mother and infant.
Key Responsibilities:
Breastfeeding Support and Counseling:
- Provide individualized lactation assessments, counseling, and support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth to promote successful breastfeeding.
- Offer guidance on proper breastfeeding techniques, such as latch, positioning, and frequency of feedings.
- Assess and troubleshoot common breastfeeding problems, such as nipple pain, engorgement, low milk supply, and infant feeding difficulties.
- Educate mothers about milk production, infant feeding cues, and the importance of breastfeeding for both the infant's and mother's health.
Education and Training:
- Conduct prenatal education classes for expectant mothers, focusing on the benefits of breastfeeding and preparing them for successful breastfeeding after birth.
- Lead breastfeeding support groups and educational sessions to provide ongoing guidance and support to new mothers.
- Provide information on pumping, milk storage, and transitioning back to work while maintaining breastfeeding.
Monitoring and Assessing Infant Growth:
- Monitor infant weight gain, growth patterns, and feeding habits to ensure adequate nutrition and assess for any signs of feeding challenges.
- Offer advice and strategies for mothers with concerns about their baby's weight or feeding behaviors.
- Work with pediatricians or healthcare teams to ensure infants are thriving and receiving the proper nutrition from breastfeeding.
Management of Lactation Issues:
- Identify and treat lactation-related concerns, such as sore nipples, mastitis, thrush, and low milk supply.
- Provide support for mothers experiencing challenges with breastfeeding, offering practical solutions and recommendations for treatment or referral to specialists as necessary.
- Guide mothers through the use of lactation aids, such as breast pumps, nipple shields, and other tools that can support breastfeeding.
Patient Education and Empowerment:
- Educate mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding, including its nutritional value, bonding opportunities, and immunological benefits for both mother and baby.
- Provide information on breastfeeding alternatives, such as formula feeding, for mothers who may need or choose these options.
- Offer emotional support, especially for mothers experiencing stress or difficulty with breastfeeding, encouraging them to set realistic goals and expectations.
Collaboration with Healthcare Teams:
- Collaborate with obstetricians, pediatricians, nurses, lactation consultants, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for mothers and infants.
- Participate in hospital or clinic rounds to discuss breastfeeding progress, challenges, and strategies for ongoing support.
- Contribute to the development of hospital or clinic policies related to breastfeeding and lactation management.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Accurately document all patient assessments, breastfeeding sessions, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic health record (EHR).
- Track and report patient progress, challenges, and any referrals or follow-up care required.
- Ensure that all documentation meets healthcare regulations and standards for quality of care and patient safety.
Promotion of Breastfeeding Initiatives:
- Advocate for breastfeeding-friendly policies and practices within the hospital or clinic, ensuring that the environment supports new mothers in their breastfeeding journey.
- Educate hospital staff about best practices for breastfeeding support, including promoting skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, and immediate breastfeeding after birth.
- Promote breastfeeding awareness through community outreach, events, and partnerships with local organizations.
Quality Improvement and Continuing Education:
- Stay updated on the latest research, techniques, and best practices related to lactation and breastfeeding care.
- Participate in continuing education and certification programs to maintain expertise as a lactation consultant.
- Contribute to quality improvement initiatives within the facility to enhance lactation services and support for mothers and infants.
Magnet Medical Job ID . Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: RN:Lactation Consultant,07:00:00-15:00:00