Advance Your Nursing Career: Nurse Consultant (Lactation) Opportunity at Walter Reed
Are you a passionate nursing professional dedicated to maternal-child health? The Defense Health Agency is currently seeking a specialized Nurse Consultant to join the team at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide vital lactation support to military families in an environment dedicated to excellence and evidence-based care.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nurse Consultant, your daily work will directly impact the health outcomes of new mothers and their infants. Key responsibilities include:
- Clinical Support: Providing expert lactation assessment, education, and support to patients in prenatal and postpartum care.
- Initiative Promotion: Leading hospital initiatives related to Baby-Friendly practices and breastfeeding advocacy.
- Collaboration: Working alongside dietitians, physicians, and speech therapists to create coordinated, evidence-based care plans.
- Education: Training clinical staff to ensure best practices are applied across the entire department.
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive position, you must meet the following baseline criteria:
- Education: A valid degree in Nursing from an accredited institution. Transcripts are mandatory.
- Licensure: An active, unrestricted license to practice professional nursing in the U.S.
- Experience: At least one full year of professional nursing experience at the GS-9 equivalent level or higher, specifically involving lactation consultation and breastfeeding support.
| Requirement Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Nursing Degree (Diploma/Associate/Bachelor/Doctorate) |
| License | Active/Unrestricted U.S. Nursing License |
| Experience | 1+ Year Professional Nursing (Lactation focus) |
Salary Overview
The compensation for this role ranges from $103,603 to $134,691 per year, depending on qualifications and locality pay adjustments.
Benefits
Employees of the Defense Health Agency enjoy a robust benefits package, which includes:
- Comprehensive health and wellness coverage.
- Retirement and pension plans.
- Generous paid time off.
- Professional development and training.
Application Tips
- Watch Your Length: Keep your resume to two pages or less.
- Detailed Experience: Clearly state hours per week for every job listed.
- Use Plain Language: Make it easy for the HR specialist to understand your skills.
- Verify Documents: Don't forget to attach your transcripts and professional license.
Serving as a Nurse Consultant in the military healthcare system is a rewarding way to apply your clinical skills to a critical population. If you meet the requirements and are passionate about lactation advocacy, we encourage you to apply before the deadline.
Why This Nurse (Consultant/Lactation) Job Matters
Advance maternal and infant health outcomes while serving those who serve our nation at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Nurse (Consultant/Lactation) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated and experienced Nurse Consultant specializing in lactation to join the Mother Infant Care Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This role focuses on promoting breastfeeding, supporting Baby-Friendly hospital initiatives, and providing evidence-based care to prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric patients. You will serve as a vital member of a multidisciplinary clinical team, ensuring that military families receive the highest standard of lactation support.
Requirements for Nurse (Consultant/Lactation)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A degree (diploma, associate, bachelor's, or higher) from an accredited professional nursing program.
- A current, active, full, and unrestricted nursing license from a U.S. State or territory.
- At least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to GS-9 level) including lactation consultation and breastfeeding assessment.
- Submission of official nursing school transcripts.
- Submission of active nursing license documentation.
- Completion of a two-page maximum resume detailing specialized experience.
- Pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to complete a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Consultant/Lactation)
- Advanced education including a Ph.D. or doctoral degree in a nursing field.
- Extensive knowledge of current evidence-based lactation standards and Baby-Friendly hospital initiatives.
- Proven track record in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including dietitians, physicians, and speech therapists.
- Experience in developing and delivering staff training related to maternal-child health.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Department of Defense.
- ✓Stable work environment in a premier military medical facility.
💡 How to Apply Nurse (Consultant/Lactation) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse (Consultant/Lactation) Job
- Ensure you have a registered USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, clearly detailing hours worked per week and relevant dates.
- Collect all necessary supporting documents, including academic transcripts and nursing licenses.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing link provided.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of July 27, 2026.
- Verify the status of your application through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must be exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
- Use plain, clear language and avoid jargon or acronyms.
- Ensure you specifically mention your experience with breastfeeding support and lactation consultation.
- Always re-upload all required documents even if they are already in your USAJOBS profile.
- Monitor your email for status updates from the hiring agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located on-site at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
What is the maximum page limit for the resume?
The resume must be two pages or less. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Are there recruitment incentives available?
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, though this is determined on a case-by-case basis.
What is the closing date for this application?
All application materials must be submitted by July 27, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No, this position does not require a formal security clearance, though it is designated as a sensitive position requiring suitability and fitness vetting.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a critical component of the U.S. Department of Defense. As an integrated healthcare system, the DHA provides comprehensive medical services to over 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. By working at the Mother Infant Care Center at Walter Reed, you become part of a dedicated team committed to improving health and readiness for those who serve our nation.