I want to get away from bedside nursing and work from home. Can I make a lot of money this way?
If the RN is truly interested, he/she needs to start researching different avenues of education. Also, the RN should truly understand why he/she desires to seek this nursing career path. Examine your own reasons why you are choosing to enter into the world of medical-legal nursing.
Many choose this career thinking it is a "get-rich-quick" career. It is not.Many more are "burned out" at the bedside and want an "easier" Nursing job. LNC work is time-consuming and far from being easy. Much hard work is expected to be successful.
Realistically, what qualities does it take to be a Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC)?
Critical thinking
Dedication and persistence
Detail-oriented and organized
Objectivity
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Independent
Ability to accurately interpret the medical record applying:
Scope of Practice (SOP)
Standard of Care (SOC)
Nurse Practice Act (NPA)
Evidence-based Medicine
Willingness to spend countless hours pouring over a medical record searching for the commonality that links the 4 parts of a legal medical malpractice case:
Duty
Breach of Duty
Damages (injury)
Direct Cause (breach caused injury)
Can you choose to specialize in one specific area of LNC like OB/Neonatal?
Not really. There are no specialty areas for the LNC who practices as a consultant only. You can, for example, as an experienced RN in OB-GYN, just choose to accept obstetrical and gynecological cases. But remember, you are the RN who knows how to review and interpret the medical record in any situation. You should accept and review all types of cases. If, however, you feel you are unable to handle a case, you can always sub-contract to another LNC.
Now that said, if you choose to testify as an expert witness then, yes, you will do this in your specialty area only. If your specialty is NICU, for example, your area of expertise as an expert would be neonatal intensive care nursing.
Remember that the LNC is not required to be an expert witness in order to do consultant work. Some LNCs choose to NEVER serve as an expert witness.
What is the average time you spend on a case?
That depends on what all is needed to complete the case. Personally, I've taken a case on Tuesday and the attorney required a final report (comprehensive) on the following Friday. End of case. Some cases may be considerably longer (months to years). Much depends on the attorney, the type and complexity of the case, the statute of limitations, court dates, etc.
What is the focus of LNC training programs?
Educational programs include a focus on nursing standards, clinical nursing, the nursing process, and evidence-based medicine as well as legal topics and strategy, research, report writing, and case analysis, just to name a few.
Is it realistic to work from home?
Yes, many are self-employed business owners.
Other areas
Hospital
Legal Department
Risk Management
Case Manager
Long-term Care (nursing homes)
Risk Management
Case Manager
Government Agencies
Public/Community Health
State Health
FDA
Insurance Companies
Workers' Compensation
Insurance Fraud
Disability Claims
Personal Injury
Independent Medical Examinations (IME)
Attorney Firms (most common)
Defense
Prosecution
In general, do attorneys and their staff respect the LNC?
Yes. Some require more education about the LNC than others, which is part of the role of the Legal Nurse Consultant. Because attorneys are very busy, the "gatekeeper" is usually the person the LNC will meet first. Professionalism, courtesy, and mutual respect are key.
What are the general duties of the LNC?
Here are but a few of the duties of the LNC:
Review a case for merit
Interpret medical record and translate medical/nursing terms, diagnoses, and treatment plans for the attorney-client
Write brief to comprehensive reports
Create timelines of important events and develop illustrations for demonstrative evidence
Locate and secure expert witnesses
Define applicable Standards of Care (deviation and adherence)
Conduct literature research applicable to the case
Review, analyze and summarize depositions
Prepare for deposition and trial preparation
Attend depositions, trials, review panels, arbitration, and mediation hearings
Assist in the preparation of witnesses and experts for deposition and trial
Coordinate and attend independent medical exams (IME)
Key to Success
Finally, you need to possess the ability to market yourself. This takes determination, persistence, and the perpetual ability to forge ahead despite many disappointments. Marketing is the key to success.
Please review other Articles here at allnurses that will be helpful in your decision to become a successful Legal Nurse Consultant.
