Mary Kay writes,
>>I'm curious as to what is happening in other areas of the country,
especially
the Metro areas that had strong programs like LA, Denver, Boston,  Atlanta,
Seattle and other not so large areas.  Is it all about money?  Our arguments
of
how to support LC salaries<<
I have worked for 1 year for a 10yo program in Prov, RI-lg hospital(9000+
del/yr) that started with 2 PT LCs and now supports 6 PT(approx 4 FTES), 1 per
diem, plus 2 lactation counselors and  a thriving "pump" store that is
separate from our dept. The counselors handle all pump aquisition for the 80+bed
NICU Moms plus a little inpt support. We also rotate our LC staff through our
busy outpt clinic which is staffed 6 days/week and are networked closely  with
the hospital's RN telephone support service (provided to all new  Moms
24-48hrs post D/C and prn!) This "warmline" also schedules the oupt f/u as
determined by them. Most of the staff feels as if we could use more people but
budgeting doesn't currently allow-personally I feel as if we are fairly well  staffed
(much better than the lg Boston hospital where I used to work!) and the
program is very highly regarded/valued by the hospital as a whole. I realize  that
I am very fortunate to work in this setting but unfortunately for me,I will
soon be moing out of the area! Hopefully I can find a similar setting in
Florida! I really can't imagine circumstances where the program would be
disbanded but I do tend to be naievely optimistic about most things!
Good Luck to all who are struggling-hopefully it is reassuring to hear that
there are healthy (dare I say growing) programs out there!
Lynn Shea Rn,Bsn,Ibclc
Franklin,Massachusetts

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