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Date: | Wed, 18 Apr 2007 22:08:52 -0700 |
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Hello to my wonderful Lactnet family,
My husband and I have decided to raise our children in New England, near
one set of their grandparents.
It is with mixed feelings that I am leaving my position as the lone
IBCLC at a small naval hospital/outpatient clinic in Washington state.
Nearly 5 years ago I arrived here as an active duty Navy nurse, which is
also the year I became an IBCLC. Sadly, since working here, I have lost
many co-workers in a variety of tragic accidents (one young corspman was
lost in Iraq).
While on active duty I provided childbirth ed. classes and lactation
services as a "collateral duty" (in addition to inpatient, and later,
outpatient nursing duties).
Two years ago I left active duty, transferred to the reserves and was
hired at the same military hospital in the role of Lactation
Consultant/Childbirth Education. (This was thanks to my former boss, a
mom who nursed her son for 2 1/2 years... she helped to convert the
position from military family practice RN to the current GS11
LC/childbirth ed position).
I've had the honor of founding the nursing mothers' group at my
hospital. The hospital has 30-40 births per month.
Every week we have about 9-11 moms with babies come to group. This week
was my last group and 19 moms (w/babies and toddlers) came to group and
had a surprise party for me. Needless to say I was in tears.
It is with a heavy heart that I leave these beautiful, strong, and
inspirational families.
________________________________
A few nurses from the hospital have been inquiring about the position:
making comments such as "what does she do?" "is it really that hard?"
"I've been a nurse for 30 years... I should be able to do that" " I
wish you would have told me sooner you were leaving so I could take the
40 hour course (so I could apply for the job)", etc, etc....
These comments are very concerning to me because I feel the families
that I have served deserve someone who is passionate about what she does
and will be passionate about serving them. To me, these comments
reflect something other than a passion for our moms and babies.
_____________________
I am writing to ask if anyone working with the military has experience
with Tricare (the US military health insurance) covering lactation services?
Today I was told by our referral management nurse that Tricare doesn't
pay for lactation services (military families get lactation services if
their hospital hires lactation consultants, but if their hospital
doesn't provide IBCLCs, Tricare doesn't pay for private consults).
Four weeks ago I gave notice and Friday is my last day at work. A
replacement for my position has not yet been found. I was hoping that
our patients would be able to be referred to private IBCLCs if needed
during the gap in service, but apparently that won't happen.
I would greatly appreciate any input regarding Tricare coverage of
lactation services.
My new job in New Hampshire will be as a Family Practice clinic nurse.
My new supervisors are willing to let me use my lactation skills in some
manner (by either starting a moms' group or doing consults for them or
both)... so I'm very happy that I'll still be able to work with moms and
babies in some way.
Thank you for listening and for all of the wonderful knowledge that you
have shared over the years.
Sincerely,
Renee Mercier RN IBCLC
Washington state... soon to be a New Englander (in 4 days!)
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