Legal Nurse Consultant … Advocate in the Medical-Legal ArenaLegal Nurse Consultant (LNC) is a fast growing nurse specialty with numerous options available. This growth is due to both the increasing medical malpractice litigation and the expanding awareness of the unique value nurses have in clarifying medical-legal issues and presenting them in an organized, detailed oriented manner. Whether a patient advocate or a health care provider advocate, you can help clients understand the legal arena they may unexpectedly find themselves involved in. Just like in patient care, explaining legal terminology and steps of the litigation process can make the difference in an informed and cooperative client.
Primary Role of the Legal Nurse ConsultantThe primary role of the LNC is to evaluate, analyze, and render informed opinions on the delivery of health care and the resulting outcomes. For nearly 20 years, nurses have acted as collaborators and strategists, offering support in medically related litigation and other medical-legal matters.A LNC is often the main resource for the attorney regarding medical matters. He/she can assist the attorney in understanding medical terminology, complicated medical records and lab values, and hospital policy and procedures. The nurse is valued as a cost-effective alternative to physician consultants and often offers a broader view of the health care issues. There are numerous areas a you may wish to consider when seeking employment in this dynamic and challenging field. A well-trained LNC can provide valuable services to law firms, insurance companies, government agencies, health care institutions and other business entities. As a legal nurse consultant, you will rely heavily on your knowledge and understanding of:
Skills NeededValuable skills needed to succeed as a legal nurse consultant are:
You may also find yourself as an educator, facilitating communication and understanding between legal, health care professionals and patients. Education and TrainingYour nursing training, RN license, and clinical background provide the basic education and training for becoming an entry level LNC.In order to function effectively in the legal arena it is important for the LNC to understand the interrelated aspects of the legal system. There are many programs available…from 1 day seminars to 1 year college certificate programs. Online nursing programs are also available and can be beneficial to meeting the time constrains of working nurses. An important consideration when choosing a LNC program is what you want out of your career choice. If you mostly want to review medical record for attorneys or other LNCs then a 1 to 6 day seminar would be fine. Many programs offer certification but be aware that the certification is only for the completion of the program and not recognized by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS). Although not necessary for you to successfully function as a LNC, you may want to consider the prestigious board certification. You don’t have to have formal legal training but you must have 2 years experience as a LNC and pass the board certification exam. This is the only certification that allows you to use the title of LNCC.
I checked out several LNC certification programs and found Kaplan University's LNC Online course top notch. In fact, I signed up for it myself and am very impressed with the quality, instructor involvement and student messaging center. The program is for one year and teaches you everything you need to know to be a successful LNC. They even help you set up an Extern program. Check it out and tell them Valerie Hayes sent you.
Kaplan University Legal Nurse Certification program CompensationThe consultant fees generally range between $75.00 and $150.00 per hour. Nurse Experts can make more, depending on their area of expertise, published articles and educational background. There are several factors that determine salaries and benefits among legal nurse consultants. These factors include but are not limited to the following:
When negotiating a fee or salary it is always important to consider all relevant factors. Network with other legal nurse consultants to find what works in your area. Learn more about Americian Association of Legal Nurse Consultants You Are Not a LawyerThe practice of legal nurse consulting is always performed in collaboration with attorneys and others involved in the legal process. You are not practicing law independently. That would not fall within the legal nurse consultant's scope of practice.All that said and done...Legal Nurse Consulting is an exciting and rewarding career. For more tips on building the nursing career of your dreams, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Nursing Career Tips---filled with nursing career advice, including loads of:
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