In a message dated 11/11/00 12:17:22 AM Eastern Standard Time, Jennifer Tow:


> . It is not typically an RN
> who becomes a speech pathologist or an OT. These other professions are seen
> as whole unto themselves, but LC is seen as an adjuct to a real profession,
> such as nursing. It is not the fault of RN's or anyone else that it has
> evolved this way.
>

       Jennifer,  this is the REAL problem.  LCs should not be viewed as
"adjuncts" to the real NURSING profession.  Many IBCLCs have no nursing
degrees, but still perform LC work, perhaps even more effectively than some
nurses.  When will a lactation consultant credential be viewed on it's own
merits? A number of the first IBCLCs credentialed in 1985 were NOT nurses.
If an LC is an adjunct to the real nursing profession-- where does that leave
non-RN LCs?   I believe that an LC should stand on it's OWN-- just like
speech pathology, OT or RN.

         --  Debbie Albert, PhD, IBCLC

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