starting legal nursing

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I have so many questions, even after googling and reading around.

From what I understand, with legal nursing, you don't get accredited until after you have hours under your belt and plenty of experience. But when I look at jobs for consulting, all they want are accredited and experienced people.

1. how do I get this experience [without said accrediation]?

2. If I have only worked in the OR my entire career, is that enough? I assume it is since many nurses don't know much about the OR, but it still seems limited to me.

3. How can I get training on making reports etc, not accreditation [just so I can get started appropriately]?

4. If I'm starting out part time, and honestly just trying to get experience in the field, what do I charge? I have 7 years of OR experience in many many hospitals since I'm a traveler. My focus is only in one thing, but my experience there is very strong.

Hoping for some answers because this is something I want to do but I dont know where to start to be honest! Thank you :)

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

Welcome to allnurses.com

I think what you are wanting to know is about certification, not accreditation.

One does not have to be certified in order to work as a Legal Nurse Consultant.

Many threads/Articles can be found in the Legal Nursing forum that you will find helpful.

Good luck.

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sirI said:

I think what you are wanting to know is about certification, not accreditation.

One does not have to be certified in order to work as a Legal Nurse Consultant.

OK, yes, I meant certification. And I understand that it's not necessary [and not even possible] in the beginning. But if I can't take those classes from the beginning, what can I do so I can at least learn how to do this and gain experience?? Everyone wants someone who has been certified when I'm looking online at jobs. I don't see any classes or anything geared to someone like me who is looking to break into the field. It all just ends up at those two sites for those courses.

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

You can take classes to be educated as an LNC if you wish. Classes are geared to the novice as well as those already in the field. They will be exactly what you are looking for starting from the bottom up.

Check out the FAQ link I gave you above. I have covered a lot of the information I think you want about education to become an LNC as well as certification later on if you desire.

Also, check out the AALNC link about education as an LNC.

I am surprised that the jobs you've looked at require certification. The vast majority of Attorneys I've worked with only want those with RN experience.

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Specializes in GI/GU surg,Pacu, ct surg, home care, NH.

Hi

I'm a NP looking to go into the field.

I have come across job posts for LNCs and one thing Ive noticed is they all want legal nurse experience atleast 1 year experience. How do you approach these lawyers?

As far as education and certification, I have yet to see a job posting that had it listed as a requirement. I have seen ads that state they want atleast 7years of ICU/ER experience. I'm not sure if your OR experience puts you at a disadvantage.

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Specializes in med-surg, detox,peds, infusions.

I know this is an old post but I'm hoping to get some info. I'll be starting a LNC program next month. I'm not sure how much or what kind of research LNCs do, but I keep coming across items that seem to be something I should kerp. For example, the Nurse Practice Acts of my area (DC), and articles covering areas like proper documentation. What do you guys think?

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On 1/11/2016 at 5:10 PM, ccraig0034 said:

I have so many questions, even after googling and reading around.

From what I understand, with legal nursing, you don't get accredited until after you have hours under your belt and plenty of experience. But when I look at jobs for consulting, all they want are accredited and experienced people.

1. how do I get this experience [without said accrediation]?

2. If I have only worked in the OR my entire career, is that enough? I assume it is since many nurses don't know much about the OR, but it still seems limited to me.

3. How can I get training on making reports etc, not accreditation [just so I can get started appropriately]?

4. If I'm starting out part time, and honestly just trying to get experience in the field, what do I charge? I have 7 years of OR experience in many many hospitals since I'm a traveler. My focus is only in one thing, but my experience there is very strong.

Hoping for some answers because this is something I want to do but I don't know where to start to be honest! Thank you ?

I am not sure if you ever did this? However, your OR experience is very niche, BUT very valuable. I am wondering what you did, because you are in a unique position to subcontract out your specific expertise to LCLs!

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Specializes in CCU/MICU.

Hello everyone.  I just completed the LegalNurse.com CLNC program (formerly the Vickie Milazzo Institute) and passed the exam. Yay.  I'm currently working on my Letter of Introduction, re doing my resume and creating a CV in case I'm called on to testify.  I've been an ICU nurse for 30 yrs. and can teach a new nurse just about anything patient related. But I'm struggling trying to tie my nursing experience and CLNC goals into a simple 4 paragraph introduction.   SMH. Any pointers ?

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Specializes in Hospice.

How was your experience with CLNC? It is very expensive for 40 hours. I've been looking at Vickie's program and LNC Stat. I can't find anything recent as far as reviews or videos for LNCStat. Is Vickie's program thorough and comprehensive for learning? Is it worth the 13K? Which one did you choose, (basic,VIP, Pro)?

I would really appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance

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