RN and Lactation Consultant

[natsirt21]

Question 1: Do you feel a need for Lactation Consultants in the GTA?

Question 2: Would an RN with one year of experience (New grad program in peds/NICU) and also having a newly acquired Lactation Consultant certification be desirable/hirable for a part time position at a pediatrician office or maternal/newborn unit?

I am deciding if I want to do a Lactation Medicine program since I can't find part time work as an RN. I have been at home with my little one for 3 years after working in the US at a primary care/urgent care clinic. Prior to that I did a 4 month New grad program, focussing in Peds/NICU, in Toronto. I want to have options for part time work while I mostly stay at home with our second child (not yet conceived).

Any suggestions for finding work as an RN?

Thanks

[ruralgirl08]

I don't have the perfect answer for you. But you should apply to the regional public health unit for part-time or casual, and see what happens. I have personally accessed a lactation nurse through the public health unit. Any family physician office with an opening may be interested. Check your local hospitals for postings, all L & D, postpartum units do teach breastfeeding to moms. It should be considered an asset. Keep applying, the job market is tough right now. You may have to take another position, do your time, and transfer into a desired area.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

I don't think a family practice or peds office will hire an RN with IBCLC credentials. They usually hire lesser qualified people so they can pay them less. They also don't typically have much more than a skeleton staff. My family doc doesn't have ANY nurses in her office - her staff is strictly clerical. If she has a patient who is having problems with breastfeeding she'd refer them to either the primary care network here or to the public health unit. Here in Alberta we have a program called Healthy Beginnings where an IBCLC credential could get you through the door at a PCN. The GTA may have something similar.

[loriangel14, RN]

I have only ever met 2 lactation consultants and they both worked for public health.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

GTA pediatricians do not hire nurses, they either help the moms themselves or refer them to their hospital breast feeding clinics or one of the Toronto public health clinics, jobs in these clinics are very difficult to get. The IBCLC certification is often listed as a preferred qualification on maternal/newborn RN job postings, although becoming certified will not necessarily result in a job offer, it may give you an edge in a competitive job market.

[natsirt21]

Thank you for your comments! I know that its a difficult situation with few options.

I ask about the Peds office because my daughters pediatrician is actually hiring an RN right now but they need someone with flexible hours, not that I would be qualified anyways. I may apply just in the off chance that they like the low salary range and want to train anyways. Worth a shot even though it is unlikely. They also have a IBCLC associated with the clinic.

I'm hoping that I will be able to continue working with the clinic that offers the Lactation Medicine program itself since they implied that they often keep their students.

Just as an FYI, there are a few IBCLC/Pediatrician run (and OHIP covered) Breastfeeding clinics in the GTA and one is actually looking to hire.

Interesting and helpful to hear your thoughts.

Cheers!