In a message dated 00-05-29 09:50:14 EDT, you write:

<<
 My dilema is:  How do I handle potential IBCLC candidates here who are not
 prepared to spend money on any resources?  (This is not strictly a financial
 issue.)  How can LCs practice without resources?  I am more than happy to
 support, encourage and share information, but surely each individual is also
 responsible to learn as much as they can from a variety of
 sources/resources?  I foresee many "weak links" in the future, or am I being
 pessimistic?
  >>
Jean,
Generally speaking, those who do not "invest" do not reap. Potential IBCLC
candidates, or for that matter RN candidates, or MD candidates etc. who do
not own the information they will be tested on will receive natural
consequences - a very pwerful force in the universe - they will fail the
test.  Certainly just sitting the Exam does not ensure passage, and a number
of candidates are unsuccessful in their first attempt to pass.  This would
have the affect of either motivating that party to get some of these
resources or get out.
Yes, as professionals we have a huge responsibility  to increase our
knowledge base and clinical skills level continuously.  That is probably the
biggest motivation for being part of this sharing the wealth of information
and perspective we give to one another here on Lactnet.  I know that when I
have been "off Lactnet" for various reasons, I feel stagnant in my
professional growth.  I'm the only IBCLC in my County in private practice, so
it gets lonely and the attitudes about RN vs Non-RN IBCLCs rages around here
in the  breastfeeding circles as well as hospital policies.  Thank Heaven for
all of you with your wisdom and willingness to put your ideas and opinions
out there for all of our benefit!
Back to your question tho, "How can LCs practice without resources?"  They
can't do an adequate job.  But then, they probably won't have to worry about
that since they can't pass the Exam without minimum  knowledge in a variety
of areas.  Should they manage to pass, then inviting them to participate in
this Forum can certainly enhance their knowledge base, or if you have the
time, energy and resources you could take it upon yourself to create and send
out a newsletter with choice bits of food for thought and hope that inspires
some learning.  It can be very frustrating to work with people who don't
consider this field a constant learning experience.  They pass the test.
They've reached the goal. It's over - no more energy for growth required.
The reality is that as practitioners we do just that. We practice.  This is
such an ever-changing field with new info or at least perspective, altering
our point of view constantly.  The idea that any of us has "arrived" is
rather absurd - this is a journey and there is always something new to learn
around the next corner...
This didn't start out to be this long...diarhea of the mouth again :-)
Happy Memorial Day to the US Lactnetters!  Happy Monday or Tuesday to the
rest!

Sincerely,
Gretchen Andrews, BA,  IBCLC
private practice, So California, USA

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