> Ok, forgive me, but I just can't be quiet any more! I have been very
> interested in this discussion, and have been holding my tongue for a few
> days, but just HAVE to jump in! This discussion reminds me very much of
> the entry level to nursing debate in the US. (To those who are
> international, bear with me). In the US a person can sit for the RN
> boards with three different levels of education, 2 years (ADN), 3 years
> (diploma) and 4 years (BSN). Another entry is as an LPN with 1 year of
> training. This is hotly debated in nursing circles and has been since I
> began nursing school in 1975.
>
> The other issue here is the comment about many RN's on OB floors knowing
> less than a non-RN IBCLC. This is true, however, keep in mind that the RN
> grants ENTRY into practice. Most experience in the specialities is gained
> from working the floors, CEU's, reading, etc. With the limited amount of
> time an RN spends in school, she cannot come out a specialist. She should
> come out as a generalist, with exposure to other specialties. From there,
> she gains her specialization. Yes, I believe basic breastfeeding concepts
> need to be covered in nursing school, however, further learning comes
> after graduation.
>
> As a hospital based LC, I do support the theory that LC's in hospitals
> need to be RN's. At least at my hospital the LC provides home visits with
> physical assessments of both the mom and baby 48 hours after discharge.
> We have picked up so many problems on the hv that RN assessment skills are
> a must. In fact, we require the home visit RN to have at least 5 years of
> OB experience before she can work in our program. This is because there
> are no "seasoned" experts out in the homes with her, and she has to be
> able to assess and refer. Just this last week we had a wound
> evisceration. We have seen thrombophlebitis, newborn sepsis, and have
> found a number of heart murmurs in newborns.
>
> I am not saying that ALL LC's need to be RN's. What I'm saying is that
> each job is individual, and requires a different skill mix. I think non
> RN IBCLC's have much to offer in many settings. I have learned much from
> Allison Hazelbaker and Kathleen Auerbach. I think as we debate this issue
> we need to be careful not to "throw the baby out with the bathwater."
> There is not only room for all of us, our profession is richer indeed with
> diversity. Ok, off my soapbox!
>
> Linda J. Tandy, MSN, RN, IBCLC
> Cedar Rapids, Iowa
>
***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|