I have had 3 experiences with mentoring candidates for the exam.  All 3 were
people I encountered while doing clinical training for Tx Dept. of Health's
bfg intensives.  One is a skillful LLLL, the other two were RNs.  I invited
them to spend time in my clinic doing observations.  Each client was
introduced to them (they ususally came one at a time) and we asked for
permission for them to view the consult.  I did't think it damaged my ability
to estab. rapport.  The trainees were very useful during consults handing
pillows, helping with equip, holding baby, all those things you often wish
you had extra hands for.  Mostly they observed tho.  Afterwards, we'd "staff"
the cases and I would let them see the write-up I did for the physician
report.  I think this helped reinforce the critical issues identified during
the consult.  I also gave them reading assignments of my favorite articles,
loaned them books I felt they should be familiar with, and also loaned
tapes.I did this over a per. of 6 mo.  Two of them took the exam.  One
passed, the other I havent' heard from yet.  The 3rd is preg. and plans to
take the test in the future.  She is working PRN at a local hospt. doing some
LC work as an RN.  I didn't charge for this work as I wanted to see if I
liked doing it and how it worked for my clients.  I decided I enjoyed it and
the feedback from the 'apprentices' was positive.  My clients were'nt annoyed
by it.  One of my apprentices said she learned a local person does private
lessons in skills areas for RNs and charges $40 an hour.  I haven't really
factored out what I plan to charge, but I am definately considering some sort
of on-going clinical observation opportunities.  The logistics would probably
have to include how this would work for out-of-towners.  I agree with Donna
C.  None of us is going to live forever.  We need to remember that all these
years of experience make the inside of our heads like vast libraries.  We
need to keep this info circulating.  This is also a way to make sure we don't
just complain (as per my recent post) about the authenticity of contact
hours.  Maybe we have a responsibility to make sure people have a way to get
contact hours.
Barbara Wilson-Clay, BSE,IBCLC
priv. pract. Austin, Tx