RN vs IBCLC

As a part of being a nursing student, it seems like everyone has been asking me..."Will you go on to get your RN (Registerd Nurse) ?" I have thought alot about it, and I don't think that I will as of right now. I want to get my hands on nursing as a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) first. Also, I have always been a big advocate of breastfeeding, so I have researched to see what I need to become a Lactation Consultant.

To my surprise I found that to obtain the title of "Lactation Consultant" you must have 45 hrs of continuing education in my current state, have those hours documented and then sit for the exam. However, this exam is for an International license! I can go anywhere in the world with this! My title would be:

Me Last name, LPN, IBCLC, RLC(Internaltional Board Certified Lactation Consultant), (Registered Lactation Consultant)

My goal is to complete my LPN program October 17th 2007. Pass my N-CLEX-PN exam by Jan 1st 2008. Then get settled with a LPN job, preferrably at a military hospital. Once I have gotten into the swing of things, update on the requirments and complete them for my Lactation Consultant license. Then if after, family and kids and career...I want to go for my RN. Then I will. I don't really see the need to be an RN, but that may change. I look at it this way, complete one goal at a time. My LPN and family is my priorities right now.

Because Breast is Best!

and

Breastfeeding Moms need love and support!