I have been reading the discussion on the new IBCLC requirement.  I would like to assert that right now
being a lactation consultant (certified or not) is NOT a profession based on the following from the article at this website:  http://www.elearnportal.com/courses/nursing/transition-to-professional-nursing-defining-a-profession.   There is also a paper written by a massage therapist that has some similar ideas about becoming a profession: http://www.elearnportal.com/courses/nursing/transition-to-professional-nursing-defining-a-profession:  http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/R.Rosen%20white%20paper.pdf




Defining a Profession
Although "profession" and "occupation" are often used interchangeably, they exist on a continuum and have critical differences. A profession has been defined as an occupation that meets specific criteria. The question of whether or not an occupation has moved across the occupational-professional continuum and reached the status of a "profession" is often judged against such traditional areas as medicine, law, and theology.
 A profession has a unique body of knowledge/theory.  WE DO NOT MEET THIS CRITERIUM
The first criterion speaks to the need for a profession to have identifiable knowledge that belongs to that profession alone. The knowledge of a profession is well organized around theories and is largely intellectual, requiring higher learning that can be taught. 
A profession has relevance to social values.  WE MEET THIS ONE. 
 Health promotion, disease prevention, and the care of individuals with altered health states all provide valuable service to society. Nursing is service oriented, service motivated, and relevant to society. The public sees nurses as one of the most trusted professions (Institute for Global Ethics, 2001).

A profession has long and specialized educational requirements.  WE DO NOT MEET THIS CRITERIUM--the new standards move us in this direction. 

A profession requires formal, in-depth, and specialized education from institutions of higher learning. 

A profession is motivated to serve the needs of the community, rather than its own self-interests.  WE MEET THIS ONE. 


A profession has autonomy of practice.  WE DO NOT MEET THIS ONE. 

 Autonomous practice requires clear credentialing/competency and systems for the development of standards of care and practice. 
6. It requires commitment.  WE MEET THIS ONE

A profession has a sense of cohesiveness among its members.  WE DO NOT MEET THIS ONE.

We have some difficulty with cohesiveness and many LC's do not belong to professional associations. Consultants do not always stick together well and do not speak with one voice.

A profession has a code of ethics.  We MEET THIS ONE.

THE IBCLE has established a code of ethics.
Christine Betzold NP CLC MSN
www.theBFclinic.com

714-269-9879
 
 

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