Just to clarify: the hospital is requiring IBCLC + RN and 3 years OB
experience. I think my original posting made it appear as if IBCLC was not
required. Still...I think this is very sad state of affairs. While I certainly
wouldn't overlook a qualified candidate because she/he had an RN --
after all, some of my best friends are RNs :-) -- to make it requirement for
LC shows a lack of respect for the credential, and ignorance of the
profession. IMO hospitals are already filled with RNs; having the
richness of background and (non-RN) perspective that most LCs bring to
the position is a valuable asset.
I posted yesterday about what I see as the need for a public awareness
campaign. Let me add that I think hospitals need to be made aware that
IBCLC is a credential that can stand alone. (And does in many fine
institutions!)
Margery Wilson, IBCLC
Massachusetts Insitute of Technology
MIT Medical Department
Cambridge, MA
Margery Wilson, IBCLC