How to prep for being an LNC

Specialties Legal

Published

Specializes in Step Down.

Hello gang,

So I graduated last spring and passed my boards shortly after, so I'm a fresh nurse! However, I am entertaining the idea of higher education, etc, and have come accross LNC as an option. I know that experience in the field is very important, and so at the moment I am working on a step down unit and will continue to do so for several years at least.

My question is, if I plan on becoming an LNC down the road, what can I be doing now to prepare for that? Any duties in the workplace or volunteer services outside of it? Any ideas that would give me an edge when if/when I make the big move to LNC would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Edit: Or here is a thought, are there any ways I could look over some practice cases and apply what roles I would be providing as an LNC to that case? Dont know if such a resource is available, anyone know?

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Hello gang,

So I graduated last spring and passed my boards shortly after, so I'm a fresh nurse! However, I am entertaining the idea of higher education, etc, and have come accross LNC as an option. I know that experience in the field is very important, and so at the moment I am working on a step down unit and will continue to do so for several years at least.

My question is, if I plan on becoming an LNC down the road, what can I be doing now to prepare for that? Any duties in the workplace or volunteer services outside of it? Any ideas that would give me an edge when if/when I make the big move to LNC would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Edit: Or here is a thought, are there any ways I could look over some practice cases and apply what roles I would be providing as an LNC to that case? Dont know if such a resource is available, anyone know?

Hello and Welcome to allnurses.com

Good to have you with us.

Congratulations on becoming a nurse.

I suggest that you become very familiar with the NPA of your state, primarily. You can also study the NPA of other states. You will be applying this to the cases that involve nursing issues in litigation. Most nurses are not familiar with their own NPA and knowing how to access this and/or apply evenly throughout your career will enable you to do so more efficiently as an LNC.

You can subscribe to legal journals or legal websites. Become an "associate" member of the American Bar Association and read through current cases that are being addressed as they apply to med-mal, personal injury, etc.

But, the MOST important thing you can do is get RN experience. Know how to properly document, learn the importance of the medical record, practice per your SOC/SOP. This valuable experience empowers you later should you decide to become a Legal Nurse Consultant.

Good luck with your nursing career and any future goals as LNC.

And, we hope you enjoy allnurses.com.

Specializes in renal/diabetes/ortho/utilization review.

i live in the detroit area where the economy has changed dramatically. at this time, finances are limited and i am not able to afford classes. i refuse to believe there is not another way.

i have read through many posts; i cannot express how helpful these have been. i invested in the textbook many use in the classes and have found much information. there are stickies and notes in every crevice of the book (not joking). however, it does not outline how to work through the cases, in detail. i found a website that offers sample cases, but now what do i do with them?

with my knowledge and background, i am able to identify areas of question, and need for further investigation, however...what’s next...am i missing something...i do not want to invest money that i do not have, to purchase a book or article that is not worthwhile...i'm just saying. i am not looking for a short cut and willing to devote the hours, study and man power in this effort. i have checked bookstores and libraries to find additional guidance and instruction (which i can see before i buy) however my findings have been limited.

i received a pm related to suggested software some time ago. if i were to purchase them in sections, which one would you recommend first?

i am determined not to be limited by temporary circumstance. any and all suggestions would be helpful and appreciated, and i thank you, in advance for your help and listening ears.:pntlft::pntlft:

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

i received a pm related to suggested software some time ago. if i were to purchase them in sections, which one would you recommend first?

i outlined in detail which part you need to purchase first back in april, cldr.;)

i invested in the textbook many use in the classes and have found much information

not sure what book you purchased, but the one i suggest is the text used in the aalnc online course. this should help you study regarding developing cases.

with my knowledge and background, i am able to identify areas of question, and need for further investigation, however...what’s next...am i missing something

you need to apply soc/sop via the specialty areas in question when working a case that has merit.

i always advise some type of formal education although right now, it is not a requirement to practice as an lnc.

good luck.

Hi sirI and everyone,

I'm a new grad acute care pediatric nurse practitioner--just finished my MSN and have 3+ years of PICU/NICU experience. My first degree was in business/accounting. I'm about to start working as an independent LNC and start taking cases from a plaintiff's attorney. My question is...how much do I charge him hourly for my work? I may be new at this role, but my education and experience is valuable. Is $100/hr too high, too low? I've seen that some LNCs charge more. Shouldn't I be able to charge more for having the MSN, too?

Also, sirI, can you please let me know what software you recommend? I have a basic account and don't think I can PM you.

Thank you all in advance!

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hi,

I sent you a pm about the software.

And, I think you are in the ballpark for what to charge your clients. Having an MSN doesn't automatically increase your fees. It's your RN experience that sells your abilities to work as LNC.

Good luck.

Thank you for your quick reply, sirI. I'm sure I'll have more questions for you down the line. I appreciate your feedback.

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

You are very welcome. Glad to help.

Specializes in Home Health, Long-Term Care.

Sorry to rehash an old thread, but you don't need anything more than an RN and clinical experience to be an LNC? Would a BSN or MSN be more helpful in marketing your services, or do most lawyers care?

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