How to become a Legal Nurse Consultant?

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I would love just a basic outline. I've already done some research and haven't come up with a concrete way of going about doing this. I know that you don't have to be certified to start in the field and I also know that there are programs that will train nurses in this specialty. I guess what I'm asking is after say you complete a program how do you go to approach an attorney or law firm for work?

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If you enroll in a program, the program will discuss marketing to attorneys and law firms. Also, there are LNC-based businesses that specialize in helping new LNCs market their services (for a fee, of course). Best of luck in your new endeavors!

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That is one of the key skills you should learn when you take a Legal Nurse Consulting course. I took the LNC Stat course. They show you exactly what to do. I have done very well with it. Their site is Legal Nurse Consultant Certification by the LNC STAT Program.

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Please how long does this program last

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Specializes in neuro/ortho med surge 4.

Hi,

Is it steady work? I am looking into other avenues in nursing due to burnout.

Thank you

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Specializes in MICU, Burn ICU.

I don't even think you have to be an RN to be a Legal "Nurse" Consultant, at least not where I'm from.

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Wondering if any of you have pursued this career path and how has it worked or not worked out for you? I have been researching this like crazy and would love feedback from those of you brave enough to jump in. ?

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I have been a legal nurse consultant for many years. I work in a defense law firm. I enjoy the work. However, it's a difficult field to get into, and it's not as lucrative as some of the LNC schools tell you. You also have to be detail-oriented, have strong verbal and writing skills, and know how to use certain software, such as Microsoft Word.

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Do people ever work primarily in the clinical setting and accept part-time contracts as an LNC? Or is that not actually a thing... just curious

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Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.

The best and most cost-effective way to learn how to enter an LNC career is via the online courses offered by the Association of Legal Nurse Consultants. It’s prep for the only nursing LNC certification, the LNCC. You can take their free Intro webinar at www.aalnc.org to learn about the many, many ways to parlay your nursing education and experience there. You do NOT need a legal education; your retaining attorney is responsible for all that. You’ll learn what you need to know to be more useful as you go along.

An atty can hire any nurse at all for in-house work— since it’s not a nursing specialty regulated by a BON you don’t even need a license. You’d be hired for your knowledge and research/writing/analytic skills. To testify as an expert you’d need applicable clinical experience and current licensure. You’d still be working in your clinical job and get expert gigs on the side. 

Most people will tell you not to count on making a full time living as an LNC for four or five years, and I find that to be true. So plan on getting your feet wet, getting a few cases as a subcontractor, then getting your own cases. Most people get cases by word of mouth and personal referrals, just like any professional. Build your practice until you wake up one morning and realize you can quit your clinical job and go part time or per diem because you’re making enough at your LNC side gig with far fewer hours.

AALNC is the place to go.

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