>>>>5. The best nurses I work with are those who were LC's first and then
decided to go to nursing school.>>>> Thank you!!!

I have been keeping quiet on this due to having "sold out" and gone to
nursing school after 14 years of being an IBCLC. I have worked in this field
in hospitals and out, began a lactation program at an inner city hospital
which never had one, am a writer (or sorts) and speaker (occasionally) all
without an RN. I do not teach any differently (still use my LLL skills every
day) but now can explain things in terms both parents and HCPs relate to.
Nothing I learned in nursing school helped me be a better LC (in fact some of
the breastfeeding information was wrong!) BUT many of the body systems and
medical situations (yes, birth is medicalized in the US) which contribute to
the postpartum period impact the baby, the mom and breastfeeding. I now have
a better understanding of these issues. Being an RN has widened my horizons,
offers further opportunities and will never NOT be an asset. I'm glad I did
it. I was always so proud not to be a nurse because my achievements were
based on my LC skills and my own acquired knowledge. But I don't regret a
minute of it. BTW, I did not receive a raise when I got my RN (make pretty
good $ anyway) and am NEVER asked to "start an IV, give a med or change a
bed" even tho I can. I do occasionally take a phone order from a doc when
it's related to breastfeeding or sign off on drug wasting. IBCLC is an ENTRY
level credential, it is essential to anyone whose primary job is working with
breastfeeding moms and it is also essential to keep learning. The new
requirements for A&P courses are a good one. I took courses for years, bought
books and attended seminars that helped me learn about other health care
issues that bf'ing moms experience. I will challenge the idea that RNs should
be IBCLCs. A good "CLC" course would be a good place to start, and might
influence someone to continue to seek further certification.
This is a never ending debate with many good perspectives.
Mary Kay Smith, RN, IBCLC
Romeoville IL

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html