Question to the Experienced LNCs

[avazmom]

Hi All-

I have a question that I hope I can get some honest opinions about. I am going to VMI in May and am awaiting my home study materials so I am a bit anxious! I spoke with a few attorneys here and there (luckily, I come in contact with them at my place of current employment, which is NON-clinical) as well as an experienced LNC in my area. A few attorneys were receptive to the idea of using an LNC.

However, based on two conversations in the past 24 hours, I started to get the feeling that staying in the clinical arena while practicing as an LNC is essential. The experienced LNC suggested that I try to pick up a shift here and there as in the eyes of the attorneys, staying in contact clinically is a major plus, whether it is doing some teaching, a shift at the hospital, etc. because Why would an attorney want a nurse that is not up to par clinically? This frightened me as I think my nursing background is foundation enough but now, I am not sure!

One attorney stated that they generally use nurses that have expertise in particular areas and generally want people still active in those areas. (in our conversation, he did not know of the LNC profession and was referring more to expert witnesses so I did educate him on the value of using nurses as his firm currently use physicians). But these conversations got me thinking.

If you are no longer clinically practicing, how can you be good as an LNC? I have detailed my experience earlier, (10 years L&D, case management for 2 years..) and I have not had direct patient care in 2 years. Sorry for the the long preface, here's my questions Is being "clinically inactive" going to prohibit me from obtaining clients?

I believe that staying current with changes in healthcare, medications, treatments, etc is essential in being a succesful LNC, but I am going to this profession to stay out of direct patient care and really have no plans of returning. I am currently trying to do my own refresher with some online CEUs, reviewing some books etc.

Help, any advice?

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hi All-

I have a question that I hope I can get some honest opinions about. I am going to VMI in May and am awaiting my home study materials so I am a bit anxious! I spoke with a few attorneys here and there (luckily, I come in contact with them at my place of current employment, which is NON-clinical) as well as an experienced LNC in my area. A few attorneys were receptive to the idea of using an LNC.

However, based on two conversations in the past 24 hours, I started to get the feeling that staying in the clinical arena while practicing as an LNC is essential. The experienced LNC suggested that I try to pick up a shift here and there as in the eyes of the attorneys, staying in contact clinically is a major plus, whether it is doing some teaching, a shift at the hospital, etc. because Why would an attorney want a nurse that is not up to par clinically? This frightened me as I think my nursing background is foundation enough but now, I am not sure!

One attorney stated that they generally use nurses that have expertise in particular areas and generally want people still active in those areas. (in our conversation, he did not know of the LNC profession and was referring more to expert witnesses so I did educate him on the value of using nurses as his firm currently use physicians). But these conversations got me thinking.

If you are no longer clinically practicing, how can you be good as an LNC? I have detailed my experience earlier, (10 years L&D, case management for 2 years..) and I have not had direct patient care in 2 years. Sorry for the the long preface, here's my questions Is being "clinically inactive" going to prohibit me from obtaining clients?

I believe that staying current with changes in healthcare, medications, treatments, etc is essential in being a succesful LNC, but I am going to this profession to stay out of direct patient care and really have no plans of returning. I am currently trying to do my own refresher with some online CEUs, reviewing some books etc.

Help, any advice?

Hello, avazmom,

Glad to see you will be attending the CLNC course in May. Good luck. You will really enjoy this.

To address some of your questions/concerns:

1 - One attorney stated that they generally use nurses that have expertise in particular areas and generally want people still active in those areas.

This is true for the LNC who will also serve as expert witness. Not for the consultant. Your years of prior RN experience is what qualifies you to be consultant.

The experienced LNC suggested that I try to pick up a shift here and there as in the eyes of the attorneys, staying in contact clinically is a major plus, whether it is doing some teaching, a shift at the hospital, etc. because Why would an attorney want a nurse that is not up to par clinically?

Again, true if you are to be expert. You must stay clinically active.

2 - ... he did not know of the LNC profession and was referring more to expert witnesses so I did educate him on the value of using nurses as his firm currently use physicians).

Exactly. They must be educated on just exactly what the consultant can offer them. You did a good job.

Few attorneys know how to read medical records or understand the terminology and subtleties of healthcare issues to achieve the best results for their clients. An LNC bridges that gap in the attorney's knowledge. The LNC is in an excellent positon to educate attorneys on a wide range of healthcare and nursing issues.

3 - If you are no longer clinically practicing, how can you be good as an LNC?

Short answer: Yes, you can be a good LNC and not be actively practicing in the clinical area.

Longer answer: How? You possess the knowledge of medical, nursing, and health-related issues. Your professional expertise as an RN and LNC qualifies you to review and interpret relevant medical records, prepare chronologies, screen medical-related cases, etc.

4 - I have detailed my experience earlier, (10 years L&D, case management for 2 years..)

You are more than qualified and will do a good job as an LNC.

Again, good luck with your course. If you have other questions/concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via private message and/or post here.

Let us know how you liked the course when you return!!!!!!!