Considering LNC profession

[LisaMarie112233]

I am wanting to become a Legal Nurse Consultant but am confused by all the different options for training. Vickie Milazzo has ,by far, the most expensive program but it also comes with mentoring during and after the training period. My question is what is the difference in the different programs available? What is the difference between a certificate vs certification? How do you become a RLNC? I have 7 years of hospital experience and 3 of home health experience however have not practiced in the past nine years due to raising my children. Do you think this will be a problem for me not actively practicing? Would it be neccessary for me to go back to clinical work? I have been told I would have to work full-time if going back to the hospital to get started again so I don't know how I could do that and start my own LNC business. If I need current clinical experience could it be in another area besides the hospital (Nursing Home, Doctors office)? The thought of going back to floor nursing is what pushed me to find something else, more challenging and ENJOYABLE:wink2: I know I have a lot of questions but any feedback you could give me would be much appreciated.

Thank You,

Lisa Marie

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

hello, lisamarie112233 and welcome to allnurses.com and the legal nursing forum.

it is so good that you found and joined us!!

my question is what is the difference in the different programs available?

check out this thread about the aalnc and milazzo programs.

aalnc and milazzo legal nurse consulting programs

yes, the milazzo program is probably the most expensive one out there. it is a good basic program for the rn seeking the career path. the aalnc program is less expensive, all online, and very good as well. there are other programs available such as lnc stat.

as far as differences in programs, it is personal choice. pretty much, all programs offer a nice basic preparation with perks that are different for each program.

what is the difference between a certificate vs certification?

here is a good explanation regarding certificate vs. certification from the aalnc: http://www.aalnc.org/lncc/about/certificate.cfm

how do you become a rlnc?

rlnc=registered legal nurse consultant and is another lnc course/certification offered by: evans and associates, ltd

i have 7 years of hospital experience and 3 of home health experience however have not practiced in the past nine years due to raising my children. do you think this will be a problem for me not actively practicing?

i think you have plenty of rn experience. no, it should not affect your ability to work as an lnc if you are not in active practice.

would it be neccessary for me to go back to clinical work?

only if you wish to serve as expert witness on cases. one must be clinically active in his/her field of expertise in order to do this. as lnc, however, there is no requirement to be clinically active.

the thought of going back to floor nursing is what pushed me to find something else, more challenging and enjoyable

you should examine other reasons to go into legal nursing besides this one. many enter into this career path for all the wrong reasons. marketing is the most difficult aspect of the career. many fall by the wayside when they realize this. i do not want to discourage you, but i do want you to weigh all pros/cons when making the decision to practice as an lnc. it can be a very rewarding and financially secure career and it can be the opposite for so many.

i hope that i have answered your questions and given you some food for thought. if you have other questions/concerns, please post them here.

good luck with your decisions and we hope you enjoy allnurses.com!!