Help me please!!

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 24, 2009

Hello!
I am new to this forum...not quite sure what took me so long to join.
Anyway, I am a new LNC. I completed a LNC program through Kaplan approx 2 years ago and did not really put that much time and energy into it. I guess I thought that it would be a little easier to get into than it is. I am learning that marketing is essential. Nurses are not salespeople so it is odd.

Hello A_New_Beginning and Welcome to allnurses.com and the Legal Nursing forum. Good to have you with us.

I really want this to be the direction that I take my career now. I have been at the bedside for almost 10 years and I am really feeling unmotivated. I love law but cannot afford law school, so this is going to be my passion.
Could you tell me a few things?

I will certainly try to answer your questions.

I have been trying to read the backgrounds on many of the LNCs. It seems like a lot of them have Case Management, Health Administration, Utilization Review experience. Is this something that I need to try to get experience in first? I have been an Ortho nurse, Progressive care, and now 7 years of CV ICU.
I just feel lost.

No, not necessarily. I have zero experience in Case Management or UR. My nursing expertise is OB-GYN, OB Cardiac Emergencies, Education, Forensics, ED.

I think your 7 years of nursing experience is more than adequate to be successful in this career choice.

I have been trying to read up on all of the resources that are available. Do I need to try to work for someone first before I try to make it on my own ? I was thinking in terms of gaining experience. I have not been privledged like some people that I have read about that just so happen to know someone and that is how they got their big break...I am starting this fresh.

I know some who have worked (volunteer) in a Law office alongside another LNC to "shadow" what they do to get experience, but in my opinion, I do not think that is entirely necessary.

I, too, had no attorney-contacts prior to starting this career. All of my business has been gained with successful and constant marketing.

I have been debating enrolling in a MBA program that focuses on economical development/entreprenuerialship. Do you think that is necessary?

Just my opinion, but no. I do not think it is necessary to work as an LNC. Of course, education is never wasted and if you are wanting to secure a Masters in this area, I think that is commendable.

I have seen the business resources that the AALNC offers as well. I just feel overwhelmed with how do I make my first step and once I make it, which direction do I walk in. I just want to try to gather all of the resources that are available and place them in my orificenal.

The AALNC is an excellent resource. You need to purchase (if you have not already) the text used in their online program: Legal Nurse Consulting: Principles and Practice

The AALNC has other items that can be utilized in your practice as well.

http://www.aalnc.org/edupro/profresources/landing.cfm

I am sure you do feel overwhelmed about some of the options out there.

Your first step should be deciding if you want to be an independent LNC (own your business) or work in-house with a Law Firm.

Then, once you make that decision if you choose the former, you need to start working on developing your business and writing a marketing plan. (see: Legal Nurse Consulting and Marketing Ideas )

Also, do I need to invest in legal software? I looked some up and it is about a 100 different ones.

In my opinion? Yes, definitely. You need a top-notch litigation software to turn out professional documents for your attorney-clients.

I sent you a private message about the litigation software.

I am a hard worker and I want to prove it to someone. How do I convince someone to take a chance on me even though I do not have the experience? I guess that you cannot answer that question :)

You need to capitalize upon what you can provide for your attorney-client. What unique selling potential do you have? You have 7 years of experience, so you need to stop saying, "I do not have the experience".

You know how to read a Medical Record. You know how to apply Standards of Care. You know when and where and how, a nurse steps of of his/her Scope of Practice.

Any advice that you can offer would be extremely helpful
I guess that I need to put some legwork in to find a mentor in my area. In your opinion, do experienced LNCs seem willing to help newbies out?
Well, I thank you for your time!!

Unfortunately, you will find many LNCs who do not wish to "mentor" a new LNC (one reason=a fear of competition). Others do not have the time (especially those struggling in a new business or if they have tremendous case overload). Many do not wish to take the time to teach.

Please return here once you have reviewed the links I've provided. Ask any question you wish. We will be happy to assist you as you try and start your LNC career.

Good luck.

A_New_Begining · Oct 25, 2009

SirI you are awesome!!

I have read so many of your responses and you are so kind with your words and the advice that you offer!!

Thank you so much for taking the time out to respond to my post. I have been all over the AALNC website. I need a paycheck to purchase all of the info that I want from their bookstore;) The Kaplan program uses the Iyer book so I already have that. It is a great book.

I will definitely heed your advice and will keep you posted! Thanks for the PM about the software.

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 25, 2009

Thank you for the kind words.

Glad you rec'd the pm.

I am willing to help you along the way; just post here and I will help you all I can.

*you will be glad you purchased the products from the AALNC and the litigation software*

gardenj · Apr 10, 2011

Hello, I am also a new LNC. I completed a LNC program through Kaplan approx 3 years ago and have put little time and effort into it due to working full time. I have applied to two Law Firms and have been shut down by both due to lack of experience! One nurse I spoke with suggested doing PRN work and business cards to hand out. I feel that I don't have enough experience now and need some guidence on how to pursue this venture. I am also interested in the software. I've been a nurse in LTC/MDS/Hospital for over 20 years.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!