The discussion about LC credentials has been interesting.  I am a longtime
LLL Leader and IBCLC since 2000.  In my general area (suburban MD, outside of
DC), none of the local hospitals will hire an LC who is not also an RN.  I
volunteered at a Lactation Center to gain hands-on experience, but the LC/RN
there had few clients and her practice folded.  She now works with another LC
who will hire only RNs too.  Several friends who tried their own private LC
practices failed because they couldn't earn enough money to keep their
businesses running.  The Lactation Center at the local hospital is succeeding
but will hire only RNs.
   I have found this frustrating.  The hospital will not even allow
volunteers to help or watch LCs unless they are on the way to becoming RNs.
I do not feel that I have enough hands-on experience (or money) to start a
private practice so I continue my volunteer helping and earn money in other
ways.
   The hiring of RN/non-RNs seems to be a regional thing.  How have other
non-RN LCs found their way to hospital jobs and mentoring situations?

Beth Lichy
Silver Spring, MD

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