> they present themselves to the parents as the
> knowledgeable expert at my expense.

This part of the discussion tells me that we LC's are doing a poor job
of including docs in our decision-making process.  If we haven't started
doing this, it's long overdue.  When an LC is called in to consult, she
writes notes in the chart - that are as overlooked by docs as any other
nurses notes.

Let's write our notes to the doc - as if we expect them to be read.
Then let's make a note to the doc on the front of the chart - Called in
to  consult - at mom's request, your request, nurse's request - please
see X section for my recommendations and rationale.  Call me at <pager
#> for a more complete explanation.

I don't blame doctors for being upset when a LC undermines her/his work
without explanation.  It perpetuates the image of us as mavericks, lone
rangers, zealots and worse.  We risk being yelled at.  So what else is
new?

Julius, thanks for sharing this discussion.  We need to see how we are
perceived through other eyes.
--
Jeanne Mitchell, Austin, TX
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle."
Plato  http://www.flash.net/~xanth/home.htm
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