Aspiring IBCLC

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Specializes in Pediatrics; NICU.

I am an MSN, RN with previous experience in pediatrics and home visiting with first time mommies. I am not currently working directly with mommies as I am in a hospital nurse educator role. I definitely feel like I have taken steps back and realize where I want to be. I am on the road to Pathway 2 and have spoken with several IBCLCs locally from hospital to WIC to private practice. All are very understanding, but I haven't received a yes yet which is understandable. Low client volume, red tape at hospital, etc. For anyone who has completed the UC San Diego Pathway 2 program am I only allowed to have one clinical site for all 300 hours? Ideally I would like to secure a RN position in Couplet Care, but in the meantime I would like to make strides. I am immersing myself in our breastfeeding community, support groups, etc. I have no children of my own so I cannot be a peer counselor, but I know for a fact this is my passion. Advice is welcome!

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I have no personal advice on Pathway 2. I have never heard of an RN doing anything other than Pathway 1, though.

With Pathway 2, it has to be DIRECTLY SUPERVISED. Working as a mom/baby nurse would not fulfill that requirement. However, in that role you could qualify via Pathway 1.

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Specializes in Pediatrics; NICU.
I have no personal advice on Pathway 2. I have never heard of an RN doing anything other than Pathway 1, though.

With Pathway 2, it has to be DIRECTLY SUPERVISED. Working as a mom/baby nurse would not fulfill that requirement. However, in that role you could qualify via Pathway 1.

I understand that hours have to be directly supervised in Pathway 2. That is why I am in contact with my local IBCLCs. If I do not get a yes before June when the program application is due I will forgo Pathway 2 and go to Pathway 1. The job desire is for more exposure to dyads. I think I would enjoy the program's curriculum as I enjoy learning. I do not need another degree as I have my MSN, but Pathway 2 is appealing to me nonetheless and the cost is not a factor. I ask about clinical in Pathway 2 so I can have supervised hours from different areas and have a broader perspective of lactation overall.

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