Do you know of any nurses who have become lawyers?

[precious01]

I am thinking of pursing a law degree and working with healthcare legislation or some other area of medical law. Just wondering if any of you are or know of nurses who have become lawyers. How are they enjoying the work and the pay?

[time4meRN]

Yes as a matter of fact. I worked with a nurse in ICU that has her JD. I love working with her. She loves nursing and rarely talks about her life as a lawyer. Go for it ! Best of luck.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Absolutely! My organization has an extremely successful and pro-active Risk Management department the employs 4 Nurse Attorneys - one serves as the director of clinical litigation. We also have an MSN/JD in our legal department. I don't have any idea about salaries, but I am sure they are all very well compensated.

[doggymama23]

Now I'm really dating myself, but 33 years ago there was a fantastic teacher for my LVN program who was an RN and an attorney. She was a very gifted professor and I remember her very well. I recall her speaking to our class about the many benefits of her nursing background coming into play during her practice of law, but don't remember exact details. I can imagine, however, that if you were interested in pursuing a JD after having practiced as a nurse, how very valuable your experience would become, especially if you were inclined toward defending (or prosecuting:cry:) nurses and/or physicians in malpractice lawsuits.

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

Yes, she was a junior partner in a prestigious high powered Florida law firm. I was her assistant. She specialized in medical malpractice defense. She made lots of money and had a unique status with the firm. I learned a lot from her.

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

I clicked on this thread with great interest...I would like to go on for my law degree once I get my bachelors degree(starting summer 2009). I would like to represent those in the healthcare field...I would never want to be an ambulance chaser.