A Nurse with Legal Training

U.S.A. New York

Published

I have been an LPN since 1977 and after several years working in a hospital, I decided to "broaden my horizons" and enrolled in a paralegal certificate course at a nearby college. After 16 years of employment as a nurse, I was soon hired by a large NY law firm as a Nurse-Paralgal. I spent 9 years with that particular law practice, actively involved in personal injury and product liability cases and especially medical malpractice actions. When the economic downturn hit and firms all over sought to downsize....I became a casualty. Fortunate to have a nursing career to fall back on, I have been working for a nursing agency providing home care for a quadriplegic. STILL, I have continued looking for a position where I can again utilize my medical-legal talents. So far the only openings I have found are all located in Manhatten, which is simply too far for me to travel. Nassau and Suffolk counties would be perfect. Can anyone offer any suggestions for a nurse with legal smarts as well?

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Chart -- Hi, there! Welcome to the club of being downsized. (I was in a different industry than you though.)

Just wanted to point out there's another forum here dealing with nurse consulting. While paralegals do different work than nurse consultants, you may wanna explore that forum.

One caveat: In my readings, consultants are rather rare because available work oportunities appear to be minimal. Don't wanna prejudge that aspect of the field but that's my gut reaction based on what I've heard. But check it out.

Also be cautious of those hoping to sell you training for consulting.

Good luck!

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You could also look into healthcare risk management. Risk management departments in hospitals are always looking for nurses with legal backgrounds.

I attended a 15 month certification program in Healthcare Risk Management. Classes were once a month on Saturdays and it was really interesting.

Also, I like Larry G's idea of becoming a legal nurse consultant. You would have to market yourself to various law firms. But you could continue to work for the agency until you have built a clientele.

Of course you could do what I did and go to law school!

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... I attended a 15 month certification program in Healthcare Risk Management. Classes were once a month on Saturdays and it was really interesting...

Fiesty -- Could you elaborate a bit on the above program. Any others that are more accelerated?

Interested in this field down the road as I have nearly two decades' experience in regulatory compliance (with a public utilty). Thanks!

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