Congratulations to *all* of us either gaining or retaining those
wonderful initials. I was intrigued by the differences in taking
decade-apart exams.
The first time around, I really didn't know whether I'd passed, and spent
that first evening nearly catatonic. This time, I knew I'd passed because I
*knew* the questions I knew, and understood much better the rationales
behind the questions. (Still, the envelope was a relief. Moment of fear:
is it thick because they're sending me the registration booklet for next
year??)
The first time, I wrote maybe one or two "yes but's" on the comment sheet.
This time, I filled both sides. A much deeper, more comfortable knowledge
base to draw from, even though...
The first time, I studied by reading "everything", which probably really was
the bulk of the breastfeeding literature. This time, it would have been
impossible to read "everything"; there's just too much good stuff out there,
in too many journals representing too many disciplines. So this time I
prepared mostly with non-functional obsessing. And sure enough, I suspect
the exam can't be passed by a beginner who hasn't studied... and needn't be
studied for by the active practitioner who has made a point of keeping up
with the field. Just the way it should be. Well done, IBLCE! AMA, take a
lesson.
Both times I was impressed by how well written the exam was. But this time
I realized how much of what we do is *not* research-based and thus can't be
on the exam. There's work to be done!
And, of course, 10 years ago the room lighting didn't matter to me and I
wasn't concerned that I might need a bathroom break. Sigh.
Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC LLLL Ithaca, NY
***********************************************
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
|