We have a number of people who have taken one-week lactation courses.
They are all employed as staff nurses.  However, we do encourage staff
nurses to use them as resources before calling me since I work 40 hours
a week and cover two hospitals.  The only other IBCLC employed by the
system works two days a week in the postpartum follow-up program.

I am considering writing job descriptions and competencies for the
CLCs.  I have also started meeting with them on a regular basis to help
improve their skills.

I am also thinking about some sort of test, especially for those coming
into the system, to make sure they understand and are familiar with our
protocols.  I have been blessed with CLEs and CLCs who are eager to
learn and a system where the IBCLCs are regarded as the authorities on
lactation.  The other IBCLC is also very eager to stay up-to-date and
learn all she can.

Does anyone else have roles defined for lactation counselors to work
under the IBCLC lactation specialist?

Bonnie Jones, RN, ICCE, IBCLC
from the sunny S.W. USA