[Sue Damones]

I live in Illinois (Chicago suburbs). I have worked in ICU for 2 years and am considering a change. This seems like it might fit.

However, I think it would be nice to know many LNCs are in my area and what the demand might be if/when I do decide to get into this career.

Can someone offer some assistance with finding this information?

Thanks!

[RN1989]

There are many attorneys who don't know what an LNC is or that they need an LNC. As far as I know, there is not really a way to check "demand". LNCs work for themselves or someone else but it is not like the hospital where they have a certain number of needed nurses and they keep stats on the vacancy and turn-over rates. It is a service based business like a store in the mall. You may have to create your own demand for your services.

Looking at your moniker, I am concerned that you are so undecided on what career path to choose and why LNC is now an option for you in addition to CRNA, etc. I worry about your ability to succeed if you are merely trying to run from a job you don't like instead of truly wanting to do the type of work an LNC does. I would not want you have a bad experience because you were not completely prepared for the differences in job responsibilities compared to what you are accustomed too.

You need to have good business knowledge to stay in the black and grow your business. In today's market, you have to be willing to spend money to make money. You may have a difficult time getting business if you do not have money to spend on the professional tools such as business cards, brochures, stationary, computer, etc. Without these tools, you may find it more difficult to compete with established LNCs.

LNC is a LOT of paperwork and deadlines. It is not easy. The working environment and expectations of the attorney-clients are very different from the hospital. It is not always 9-5 M-F. The success of your business depends heavily on your ability to sell your services to attorneys. The attorneys generally don't just come to you and say "I want to hire you." It requires you traveling "door to door" tooting your horn about your services. In areas with a heavy saturation of working LNCs, you have to push the reason why the attorneys should hire you instead of another LNC with more experience.

There is a Chicago chapter of the AALNC. They may be able to give you specific knowledge about LNCs in that area. SirI will likely get on here soon with some advice. She is a terrific resource.

I would suggest that you put on paper your long and short term goals for both your career and your personal life. You should also write out your likes and dislikes of your current position as well as other jobs you are considering. This will help you decide what job path you should take to accomplish your goals. Sometimes you have to sacrifice in one area in order to achieve goals in another area or to achieve long term goals.

Good luck with your career path. You are still young and have the opportunity to get a lot more life and work experience. Don't rush into a job because you are running from another. I've seen too many nurses unhappy because they simply wanted to escape hospital nursing and they didn't have a good career and business plan in place to ensure success. Once you have a strategic plan in place, go ahead with gusto and you will find it is easier to achieve your goals.

[sirI]

Hello, Sue Damones,

RN1989 has given some pretty good advice about the career (thank you for your kind words). (BTW, the name, Sue Damones is a play on words for pseudomonas )

I really suggest the RN have at least 3-5 years experience before considering the LNC career. One must possess the ability to pour over medical records for hours on end to apply SOC/SOP, thoroughly enjoy research/have excellent research techniques, and be willing to work odd hours of the day and weekends, etc. Also, one must be willing to endure a lot of defeat for the marketing aspect is really the hardest part of the job. Not to discourage you, but to show a glimpse of hard reality. Many come into this career and fall by the wayside for they did not realize just how difficult it really is.

You should, if you are seriously considering the career, join the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) and just get a feel for the LNC career.

Good luck with all of your nursing career goals. If you have specific questions about the LNC, please post here. We will be glad to help you.