Medical-Legal Argot

Should I Carry Malpractice (Liability) Insurance?

By sirI - This question comes up frequently and is asked of me quite often, "should I carry malpractice insurance?" many nurses are covered under their own individual liability insurance carrier. Many more are not. i am.......... are you?? Nurses can be sued at any time, for any reason. Often, allegations brought against you are unfounded, but just being named in a lawsuit gives one pause and can be one of the most stressful times in your life. The nurse feels embarrassed and fears damage to a perfect... Read More →

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LNC Marketing Ideas

By sirI - Diligent and professional marketing to the attorney-client is crucial to the success of the Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC). Many nurses are lacking in this area. Let's start with some basics. 1. Create a letter of introduction and mail to prospective attorney-clients. Start off by sending at least 20 every week. Then conduct a follow-up phone call in a little less than two weeks after you send the letters or follow up at the time you outlined in your initial introduction letter. Be... Read More →

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The Role of the Legal Nurse Consultant

By sirI - Here are frequently asked questions about the role of the Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC). (1) Realistically what type of person/personality does it take to be an LNC? One must be dedicated and persistent. Possess the ability to interpret accurately, the medical record. Be willing to spend countless hours pouring over a medical record (one of merit) searching for the commonality that links the 4 parts of the medical malpractice case. (2) What are the general duties of the LNC? Read More →

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Litigious Areas of Nursing and the Nurse's Liability

By sirI - the areas of nursing most vulnerable today are anesthesia and midwifery. rns in ob (l and d), those working solely in monitoring capacities (fetal heart, telemetry, etc.), and medication administration (including long term care) are also included in highly litigious areas. of course, the advanced practice nurse (apn) other than crna and cnm are subject to increased litigation, but the latter two more so. and, the neonatal nurse practitioner (nnp) seems to be at high risk secondary to... Read More →

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The Legal Nurse Consultant and Liability Insurance

By sirI - Many LNC's are inquiring, "Should I purchase the coverage?" In many cases nurses have been advised, for whatever the reason being, not to receive liability insurance. This advice can come from fellow colleagues, educators, employers, attorneys, and well-meaning friends. Personally, as an RN and APN, I would never consider practicing without it. But, that is yet another topic.....;) In saying the above, it stands to reason that I would never practice as an LNC without proper liability... Read More →

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Litigious Areas of Nursing and the Nurse's Liability

By sirI - the areas of nursing most vulnerable today are anesthesia and midwifery. rns in ob (l and d), those working solely in monitoring capacities (fetal heart, telemetry, etc.), and medication administration are also included in highly litigious areas. of course, the advanced practice nurse (apn) other than crna and cnm are subject to increased litigation, but the latter two more so. and, nurses in general can be and often are, at risk. major reasons why more lawsuits are being made... Read More →

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The Legal Nurse Consultant and Liability Insurance

By sirI - Many LNC's are inquiring, "Should I purchase the coverage?" In many cases nurses have been advised, for whatever the reason being, not to receive liability insurance. This advice can come from fellow colleagues, educators, employers, attorneys, and well-meaning friends. Personally, I would never consider practicing as an RN without it. But, that is yet another topic.....;) In saying the above, it stands to reason that I would never practice as an LNC without proper liability coverage. ... Read More →

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