Some ?? about getting started....

Bluehair · Oct 26, 2008

Welcome, gina8521!

I feel your pain, lol! I personally could not afford to go to Vickie M's class, though many on this forum have done it and really loved it. Personally, I opted for the LNC Stat program and have not regretted it. Within the first few hours of training, I realized that while you can do this without training, I personally would never want to try. I have not started marketing yet, have not obtained my precious first case as of this writing. But I can see there are a lot of nuances, patterns of thought, etc. that are learned in the various training courses that can influence/determine the success or failure of your practice. Recognition of what is missing from the chart, developing the ability to look at any case from the perspective of a potential defense vs plaintiff view point, recognizing whether or not your case has met the 4 elements required, learning what resources are available for researching your case - there is a lot covered in all of these various training courses that is beneficial to anyone starting this as a career. It can all be learned via the school of hard knocks and experience, but at what cost to your practice overall?

You may want to think about checking out the LNC Stat web page - they also offer assistance in the marketing end of things, and have internshipmentoring available as well. Personally, I found them very personable and helpful. Check out the other threads also, as others have different programs to suggest as well (AALNC, etc.).

Best Wishes!!

wooh, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2008

Like Bluehair, I'm still working on getting my first case. I feel like a new grad, but after doing the VMI course, I feel as prepared as I can be, both for the actual consulting and the marketing. And I did the apprenticeship, so the marketing brochures they include are a great (even if expensive) plus. But when i think of the money I would have to spend on creating these things without any kind of reference, I think the money I spent on VMI was well worth it. Not to mention, once you spend that kind of money, it's a huge incentive to NOT turn back!:)

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 29, 2008

Hi all, I am so glad I found allnurses.com! Last night I was up WAY too late reading for hours.
I want to break into the field of legal nurse consulting. I have done many night of research on the field and feel like it would be something for me. I am looking for something that will allow me to work on my own schedule & allow me to take my son to school & pick him up. I have long had an interest in the legal field (almost went to law school years ago) and I feel this would be a great combination of my interest in the law & my love of nursing, plus give me the flexibility I need with a young child just beginning in pre-school/school.
Here are my questions.......
I am looking for a training program. I had almost decided on Vickie Milazzo but the expense & their pressure tactic when I called put me off a bit. Plus, a few of the LNCs I have contacted locally have said the lawyers here (Las Vegas) really do not care about certification, a good quality work product is all they are after. I would like some sort of formal education though, so I can start the job with confidence in my ability to know what I am doing. I am thinking about the program through the AALNC.
So if I go that route, where can I get the info and resources about marketing that I would have received from the Milazzo course?? Also, where could I look for mentoring resources?
I would have no idea how to develop my own brochure & marketing packet to send out. I also think the mentoring would be a valuable tool.

Hello and Welcome to allnurses.com

It is so good to have you with us.

I am looking for a training program. I had almost decided on Vickie Milazzo but the expense & their pressure tactic when I called put me off a bit.

Since you are in the research phase, check out the AALNC online program: Legal Nurse Consulting Online Course

You will find this course is an excellent basic preparation for the LNC career. There are other programs out there as well. LNC STAT is another one.

Plus, a few of the LNCs I have contacted locally have said the lawyers here (Las Vegas) really do not care about certification, a good quality work product is all they are after.

Right. Many are only concerned whether or not you can do the job.

Personally, I would never advise the RN to do this without formal education.

where can I get the info and resources about marketing that I would have received from the Milazzo course??

There are numerous list servs offering assistance.

And, you can stay here at allnurses.com - in this forum for excellent information about how to market to your potential clients. Here is one thread: Legal Nurse Consulting and Marketing Ideas

I would have no idea how to develop my own brochure & marketing packet to send out. I also think the mentoring would be a valuable tool.

We can assist you with this as well.

If you have other questions/concerns, please do not hesitate to post. We are here for you.

And, we hope you enjoy allnurses.com!!

Good luck.

rnpract · Oct 31, 2008

Speaking as a graduate of the AALNC I think it is a great program if thats the direction your thinking of. One of the courses teaches you about marketing, and the nice thing I found was a local AALNC chapter. Plenty of seasoned LNC's to help get me started, and so I could pick their brain also.