Linda:

It IS a wonderful job & I agree the agency needs to be cloned - they are a
very unique group of people.  I am in central PA and simply inquired last
spring about positions that fit my credentialing, sent my resume and was
very fortunate that they strive to keep a very competent, up-to-date staff
in all areas.  They had no one with an inkling of LC experience and their OB
consultant viewed this addition as a welcome one.  I do NOT receive 3rd
party reimbursement for my LC work, per se. I am reimbursed as a skilled
nurse, but with the perk of doing only LC visits according to my contract.
They allowed me the luxury of writing my own job description.  Frequently I
ask our Director of Pt Services what she thinks on various ideas I have -her
reply is usually "You're the expert here." - what she says to all of her
consultants from all walks of health care.  As you may guess, her staff
worships the ground she walks on!

My newest area to act on is the 3rd party payment issue.  It is frustrating
to know that reimbursement is at the mercy of credentialing as a nurse, when
many nurses wouldn't have a clue of where to start on a lactation related
visit.  I'll post anything I am lucky enough to learn in this new endeavor.

Feeling very lucky,
Debbie Shinskie RN CES IBCLC