Nurses in law?

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I'm a pre nursing student, and I was at work the other day.

And this guy came in and he's an rn, we were talking, and he brought up how nurses can actually get into law now; seeing how nursing is a union in some states, and theirs problems between the unions, the hospitals, whatever.

My question is:

Is this true? and if so how? Cause I'm actually kinda interested.

Oh anddd! I'm a pre-nursing student. So ANY advice whether it be from study habits, to encouragement, words of advice, ANYTHING, will be much appreciated.

thank you and god bless.

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Specializes in ED, Flight.

I don't know about the specific example you brought up, but it certainly makes sense.

Law has many specialized areas. We live in a litigious society. That means there is plenty to do in any areas of law where people actually interact.

As an example, I have an acquaintance in Albuquerque named W. Ann Maggiore. She is a long time paramedic and a lawyer who concentrates on EMS law. In addition to actual casework, she writes and speaks around the country. http://www.btblaw.com/id76.htm

That's just one example of the many possibilities. Lot's of school ahead with those interests, that's for sure! :nuke:

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the leap from RN to attorney it quite a big one. i do not think it would be a realistic goal for most. being a lawyer requires far more difficult and much longer schooling. i think if you're really interested in being a lawyer, then nursing school would be a waste of your time.

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One of my instructors was a nurse lawyer. Nurses have been in law in one way or another for some time, not just in union negotiations.

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Specializes in A little of this & a little of that.

There are also nursing legal consultants who review medical records for lawyers doing personal injury and malpractice type suits. Nurses can work for the law firm or as independent consultants.

For now study hard and concentrate on learning all the things a student nurse needs to know. There are many different things nurses can do and there will be time to explore all of them later.

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the leap from RN to attorney it quite a big one. i do not think it would be a realistic goal for most. being a lawyer requires far more difficult and much longer schooling. i think if you're really interested in being a lawyer, then nursing school would be a waste of your time.

I don't know that that's true. There is big difference of coourse, but for many it is an attainable, but long term goal.

I went to a seminar on nursing law that talked mainly about documentationa and how to avoid getting sued. The speaker was a nurse lawyer and she loved it. When nurses got sued or had to go up against the board- she worked for them. I think it's really interesting. However, I don't want to be a lawyer- too time consuming and I'm not THAT interested. There is also a legal nurse consultant (LNC) as another poster mentioned. That would take less time and pays very well from what I've heard. One of the instructors at my school is a LNC and the program has added a 2 hour class on ethics and legal issues taught be her. I am really looking forward to it!!

There are so many different options as a nurse and so many ways go beyond your RN. I changed my mind, like 4 times just throughout schoool and I'm sure I'll change it several more once I'm out working as an RN. It's an awesome opportunity we have as nurses. Just, finish your classes, prepare for nursing school to take up your whole life for a couple years and continue to study hard and do well. Congrats on beginning an awesome and life changing journey.

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

I have a friend who works PRN for an attorney. She helps to explain medical records and does research. Most of her work is done from home and the pay is far better than her CCU position as an RN.

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[]I don't know that that's true. There is big difference of coourse, but for many it is an attainable, but long term goal.

went to a seminar on nursing law that talked mainly about documentationa and how to avoid getting sued. The speaker was a nurse lawyer and she loved it. When nurses got sued or had to go up against the board- she worked for them. I think it's really interesting. However, I don't want to be a lawyer- too time consuming and I'm not THAT interested. There is also a legal nurse consultant (LNC) as another poster mentioned. That would take less time and pays very well from what I've heard. One of the instructors at my school is a LNC and the program has added a 2 hour class on ethics and legal issues taught be her. I am really looking forward to it!!

There are so many different options as a nurse and so many ways go beyond your RN. I changed my mind, like 4 times just throughout schoool and I'm sure I'll change it several more once I'm out working as an RN. It's an awesome opportunity we have as nurses. Just, finish your classes, prepare for nursing school to take up your whole life for a couple years and continue to study hard and do well. Congrats on beginning an awesome and life changing journey.

That LNC job actually sounds pretty interesting. Sounds like a awesome job.

Thank you for the advice, and the words of encouragement!

They are deeply appreciated!

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I'm a pre nursing student, and I was at work the other day.

And this guy came in and he's an rn, we were talking, and he brought up how nurses can actually get into law now; seeing how nursing is a union in some states, and theirs problems between the unions, the hospitals, whatever.

My question is:

Is this true? and if so how? Cause I'm actually kinda interested.

Oh anddd! I'm a pre-nursing student. So ANY advice whether it be from study habits, to encouragement, words of advice, ANYTHING, will be much appreciated.

thank you and god bless.

I think you're referring to legal nurse consultants? These are nurses who are hired on an as-needed basis to review a case headed for litigation and let the legal team know what they need to know about it from the medical professional standpoint. In other words, they are hired PRN for the knowledge they can share and ideas they can shed regarding specific cases.

I'm sure someone here who does that can give you far more specifics :)

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