There is unfortunately, a change happening within our hospitals in the
USA.  We all have a passion for our profession. As a Non-RN Consultant,
I chose my route to becoming an LC. In doing so I wanted to intern with a
consultant.  I was lucky to do three interships. The Best were
four wonderful lactation consultants at a Charlotte, NC hospital. They
mapped a plan out for me.  They trained me professionally and correctly. I
was paid no wages or paid no intern fee. I enjoyed them, all had their own
lactation syle. They said you will learn your own style take alittle from
this and some of that, just do your best always.   They required me
to volunteer at different WIC Clinics within surrounding counties. They
arranged for me to help other consultants within Charlotte. They decided
when I was ready to sit for my IBCLC.  They required me to have 6,000
documented clinical hours (1,000 hrs a year). I held an evening job as a
librarian to be able to work at being an intern.  I cleaned a gazillion
breast pumps. Staying current was and is most important to me.  I have
always chosen to attend Linda Kutner and Jan Barger's weeklong Breastfeeding
Conferences and Continuing Education, when their group is in North Carolina.
I like this group because I started my lactation education with them. And
they are still there tried and true. Familar and trusting.
  It took me 8 years to be the best consultant. But today requirements
change, if I want to continue to work hospital inpatient and outpatent I
have to continue education. I owe it to myself, I get tired of worrying if
I'll work tomarrow because I lack an RN degree. A retired lactation
co-worker once took me aside 4 years ago and offered her advice, it would be
to my benefit to work on obtaining a degree in nursing.  I didn't listen, I
was too busy working 40+ work weeks doing what I loved. I no longer have
that great hospital job. I find now no Hospital in my area will talk with
you without that RN degree, one reqires a BS degree. They don't want to hear
how much work you did and that you developed this or that or you taught
these folks or those interns. They say I'm sorry and wish you luck.
 I started nursing school last week, taking the CNA1 program to begin.
  It's gona be a long summer!  I miss lactation.

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

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(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html