Anybody know anything about being a consultant nurse?

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From what I gather you are employed by anyone from pharmaceutical companies to LTC facilities. I don't really know how tough it is to break into this field as I see some places requiring 5 years experience with marketing experience and others just wanting an RN license and "willing to travel." Any info you guys can dish on the perks and the negatives of consultant nursing? Thanks!

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Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

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One more try for info??

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

"Consultant" does not actually define a specific type of job - so that may be why you haven't gotten much input.

In broad terms, consultants can be either 'internal' or 'external' to a company. Internal consultants are functional specialists that are able to cross departmental boundaries to support that function. For instance, a 'staff development consultant' would provide managers with assistance in this area, without regard to any departmental distinctions. In some instances, an 'internal' (employed) consultant role may be entirely focused on external clients... Their job is to provide some sort of service to the client. On the other hand, 'external' consultants are not organizational employees. They may work for a vendor or be self-employed. The relationship is defined by a contract which spells out exactly what they do.

Confused yet? There's more. In terms of functionality, there are 2 types of consultation jobs: 1) Diagnostic & 2) Interventional. Diagnostic gigs focus on helping leaders/managers figure out what needs to be done... the work may limited to just producing a written report. Interventional consulting means actually DOING stuff - like software implementation, staff training, JC preparation, etc. In some instances, a consulting job may include both phases - LOL.

So..... first step would be to develop some mad skills & expertise to build your credibility. Get an ANCC specialty certification or two. Pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies hire nurses with demonstrated ability - they will only train you on the 'consulting' stuff. As an educator, I have worked as an external consultant with medical equipment (training their sales force), LTC (developing & implementing CNA training programs & accreditation prep), Home Care (developing staff training programs) as well as several years as a "clinical administration consultant" for a health care organization. All of the gigs required travel.

Does that help?

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Good info, thanks. And not too confusing LOL. And I know legal consultants are a different animal altogether. What sort of experience is most valuable? I have about a year of both ICU and rehab/LTC.

"Consultant" does not actually define a specific type of job - so that may be why you haven't gotten much input.

In broad terms, consultants can be either 'internal' or 'external' to a company. Internal consultants are functional specialists that are able to cross departmental boundaries to support that function. For instance, a 'staff development consultant' would provide managers with assistance in this area, without regard to any departmental distinctions. In some instances, an 'internal' (employed) consultant role may be entirely focused on external clients... Their job is to provide some sort of service to the client. On the other hand, 'external' consultants are not organizational employees. They may work for a vendor or be self-employed. The relationship is defined by a contract which spells out exactly what they do.

Confused yet? There's more. In terms of functionality, there are 2 types of consultation jobs: 1) Diagnostic & 2) Interventional. Diagnostic gigs focus on helping leaders/managers figure out what needs to be done... the work may limited to just producing a written report. Interventional consulting means actually DOING stuff - like software implementation, staff training, JC preparation, etc. In some instances, a consulting job may include both phases - LOL.

So..... first step would be to develop some mad skills & expertise to build your credibility. Get an ANCC specialty certification or two. Pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies hire nurses with demonstrated ability - they will only train you on the 'consulting' stuff. As an educator, I have worked as an external consultant with medical equipment (training their sales force), LTC (developing & implementing CNA training programs & accreditation prep), Home Care (developing staff training programs) as well as several years as a "clinical administration consultant" for a health care organization. All of the gigs required travel.

Does that help?

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