Considering a Legal Nurse Consultant Career

[ambitious1]

Hello:

I'm considering a LNC career, and I'm wondering if my nursing background is strong enough to pursue this. I've had 5 years in Med-Surg (got certified), 5 years in home care after that, then 5 years in outpatient ped. ortho. I'm currently in administration/medical informatics. I been away from direct patient care for about 8 years.

I read somewhere that LNC are usually nurses with a ICU/CCU or ER background.

For those nurses working as a LNC, do you feel I will be able to get employment as a LNC after passing the Certification Exam even with my dated background and experience?

Should I brush up on my clinical skills first? Your words of guidance would be appreciated.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

hello:

i'm considering a lnc career, and i'm wondering if my nursing background is strong enough to pursue this. i've had 5 years in med-surg (got certified), 5 years in home care after that, then 5 years in outpatient ped. ortho. i'm currently in administration/medical informatics. i been away from direct patient care for about 8 years.

i read somewhere that lnc are usually nurses with a icu/ccu or er background.

for those nurses working as a lnc, do you feel i will be able to get employment as a lnc after passing the certification exam even with my dated background and experience?

should i brush up on my clinical skills first? your words of guidance would be appreciated.

hello ambitious1 and

to allnurses.com and the legal nursing forum

good to have you join us and good to read of your interest as lnc.

yes, i think you are more than qualified to seek the career choice. lncs come from varioius nursing backgrounds, not just ed/icu.

your ability to "get a job" rests with you and your marketing skills. marketing is the key to success; whether you own your business or want to work, "in house".

good luck with all of your decisions and if you have other specific questions/concerns, please post in this forum.

we hope you enjoy allnurses!!

[KLKRN, RN]

I was delighted and encouraged to read that a nurse who seemed to have even less focused experience than my own was doing well in my area as an LNC.

I'm very encouraged.

[pbstrums]

I am seriously considering changing gears from ICU to LNC. It is hard to be the nurse I want to be these days, stretched so thin. I think the work ethic has changed so much. I think I am ready for a change. Have been in ICU for 24 yrs. The cost of the LNC program is expensive to me; I am sure it would be worth it if I was successful at it but feel unsure as to whether I would be good at it or not. Is a nurse considered a patient advocate in this role? I think it would be exciting to help patients in a new way. I would also love the opportunity to work from home and have a more flexible schedule. I appreciate your website so much. I am new to it and have already found it so helpful. Thank you.

pcb

[muffin7]

Patricia,

If you are representing the patient then you could definetly advocate for the patient.