My next career move

mrs.jenRN

Things have actually been going better at my job. I have finally been challenged with sicker patients and have been standing up for myself when I am talked down to. However, my heart just isn't into it like it once was. I promised myself that if I ever got to that point, I would make a major change. I go back and forth on what I want to do, but I think I finally figured it out.

I am going to become a lactation consultant!

This will be a long process, but I am excited about starting! Because I am a nurse I already have all the college classes I need. The first step is to take a week long certified lactation specialist course that is offered 4 times a year. Once in Charlotte area and 3 times outside of Chicago. I think I will aim for the June or October class in IL because it is expensive and I need time to save and plan. Then I have to do 1000 hours of supervised clinicals working with moms and babies. This is what will take a while. I have 5 years to complete it, so at least I know I can break it up. I would have to do about 20 hours/week just to get it done within a year, so I am thinking it will take me at least 2 years.

Anyway, I just had to share with you guys! If you're friends with me on FB please don't say anything. I'm keeping this quiet at work. Thanks!

Loskadoodle

That is awesome, congratulations!!!  

KimandRoss0115

That's great Jen! I actually have a good friend who is an IBCLC (who is just now becoming an RN actually) who works at TGH if you ever want someone to chat with about it. She is a great resource and awesome.  She saved my BFing experience, that's for sure.

mrs.jenRN

Thanks Kim! I think I will definitely want to chat with her, especially after I take the class.  I have thought about applying for a job on the mother/baby floor but who knows when/if that would happen anytime soon.

Aegis2005

How exciting! 

I'm a little jealous because I've been saying I want to make a career move for the past few years, but I'm not sure what I want it to be, so I haven't   Best of luck in your next career endeavor!

KimandRoss0115

mrs.jenRN:

Thanks Kim! I think I will definitely want to chat with her, especially after I take the class.  I have thought about applying for a job on the mother/baby floor but who knows when/if that would happen anytime soon.

I forgot to add, she doesn't work at TGH as a consultant, she's a tech right now, trying to get a job as an RN.  Her lactation stuff is pretty free lance.  Actually, I think she was going to go to the Target nurse-in thing, but couldn't, so you may know her name.  Her last name is pretty unforgettable.

cliffswife_721

Awesome news, very excited for you :-)

Melis74

That's great! Congrats on making your decision, that is often the hardest part of starting a change!

Can't wait to hear about your progress! 

Aidens__mommy

What a great change for you! I know you will be awesome at that! And not bitchy like the consultant I had to deal with! lol I'm excited for you Jen!!!!!!

MrsChelseaP09

That's awesome, Jen!! Good luck

tashaandsage

That's great that you are ready to make a big change for your own happiness. Good luck to you!

mrs.jenRN

Thanks, everyone! I'm pretty excited!

jennifer80808

That's awesome Jen!  You would make an excellent LC.  They are really hard to come by!

Floridamom224

Aw, I think this is awesome!!!!!  A friend of mine is one at a local hospital and she LOVES it.  I am actually giving birth at that hospital, and I plan on utilizing her services :-)

MrsMEW

That is really awesome! What a great change. Good luck!

2poodles2Love

That's great!  Congrats on the decision and good luck

sara76

That's great!!!  It must feel good to know that you have a goal and you will eventually be doing something that will make you happy, will be satisfying and will make a difference!  Congrats!

mrs.jenRN

Thanks guys!

blondeG8Rbride

Sounds exciting.  I'm sure it will be nice to have more control of your own schedule as your own boss too.  Good luck!

diamondgrrl5

OMG!  I was just telling a friend of mine today about how I admire you for keeping up BF while working and how I need to get some pointers from you. 

NatPhoto09

what an exciting career move.  I had an amazing lactation consultant/nurse at my pedi back in Raleigh.  She was amazing and was the reason I nursed Nic so long.  It was the best b/c she saw all the newborns before the dr and she would have a mini consultation every time you had an appt to ask how the nursing was going.  Congratulations!