Interested... yet afraid

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Hi everyone! I've been researching legal nurse consulting for a while now. Let me begin by saying, I'm new in my career, 1 year, but this is my second career. My goal was always to end up in policy work or hospital administration, maybe lobbying, etc. I always wanted to work to improve our systems and protocols. I feel like LNC would be worthwhile to gain some insight and experience moving forward with that ultimate goal. I have also seen a possible Master's in Medical/Healthcare law and policy that seems worthwhile. Also, let me say that I have no intent to leave the bedside anytime soon. I like the bedside but I want to grow more.

Here's my problem, I'm terrified. What if I make this huge investment of time and money and then I'm unable to market myself? What if I cannot find any work in the field after?

I keep trying to tell myself that learning these things will also make me a better practitioner, it will help improve my documentation and my critical thinking. But as much as it excites me, it terrifies me. Any words of advice?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello @SunshineNRainbows,

All good questions that you have.

Education is never wasted ... that's my motto. But, sometimes it doesn't always equate to what you really want to do. Once obtained, it wasn't wasted. It just didn't help you meet your final goal.

You said initially that your goals were along the lines of ... policy work ... hospital administration ... maybe lobbying.

Review some of the legal nurse consulting course modules from the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants. See if these educative modules align with what you have in mind to help you reach your goals.

Weigh the pros/cons.

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Here's my problem, I'm terrified.

A little healthy anxiety is a great motivator when considering a major life change. Don't let it stifle you, however.

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... learning these things will also make me a better practitioner, it will help improve my documentation and my critical thinking.

You are absolutely correct.

I wish you much good luck with all of your decisions. Come back and update us.

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What about a masters in one of the healthcare management programs? I don’t know how you’d feel about an online competancy based but WGU offers this course... I’m pretty sure other schools might offer similar. https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-health-degrees/masters-healthcare-administration-leadership.html

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