cradlehold

Shouldn't a RN-IBCLC make the equivalent of a RN-C? Maybe we should change our letter around to RN-C (IBCLC)

I am going through exactly the same thing. I graduated with my ADN in 1994 and worked in L&D/outpatient pediatrics for 17 years. I left my job last year when my son became ill. Now despite my experience, additional BS degree and certification as an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, I cannot even get to the interview stage. When I left my job, I used all of my retirement to help support me while I was not working (not knowing when or if I could return to work.) Now we are paying out of pocket for health insurance and need me to go back to work ASAP. Is it my age? Too much experience? Too specialized? Doesn't maturity and experience count for anything or are we being passed up for new grads?

I started and finished nursing school late in the game. I graduated in '94 at the age of 32. I worked in maternity and out patient pediatrics until last year when I left due my child's illness. During the time, I also became a board certified lactation consultant and have been doing private practice consults. Now that I am ready to work for someone other than myself, I am not even getting to the interview process. Am I not getting call backs because 1) I am too old (50 in Nov) 2) I am too experienced (18 years and a BS in Maternal Child Health) 3) I am too specialized? 4) Because I haven't work in acute MCH/L&D in over 10 years? After all this work and all this time, I am so discouraged. I've always been proud of being a nurse and can't imagine doing anything else. I never anticipated it would be this hard to return! What can I possibly do instead?