Specialties Legal
Published Jun 3, 2007
GadgetRN71, ASN, RN
1,840 Posts
HI, I am an OR nurse(prior to that, I was a tech for 8 years) and am very interested in this specialty. I've only been a nurse for a year so would it be acceptable to at least start taking the course work(will probably do the AALNC course)and get the ball rolling? I'd still be working in the OR and even after I finish would probably do both,at least for a while. Is the OR a good jumping off point? It seems it would be, but I wasn't sure. TIA for your help.
donnas4girls
4 Posts
From what I have read an OR backround is excellent and desired and it is recommended to have about 5 years or so of clinical nursing experience.
sm01
16 Posts
Most of the certification classes require a minimum number of years that you have to work before you can take the course. So you better check into it.
tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN
83 Articles; 5,923 Posts
Hello WitchyRN
Because the legal nurse consultant utilizes knowledge developed while working in the nursing field, it is recommended that you have at least 5 years nursing experience prior to becoming an LNC. It would be fine to go ahead and do as much research as you can to find out more about becoming an LNC, courses available, etc. You can even begin to take an online course such as the one offered by AALNC. The first module will give you a good idea about what an LNC does. You may take more modules as you wish, going at your own pace.
If you have further questions, post them here, or feel free to pm me.
Good luck.
CatherineValRN
3 Posts
Hi.
I've been thinking about LNC, but only have two years clinical nursing experience in icu/ccu. I'm about to start home health nursing, just to pay the bills.
Yet, I went through a 4.5 year divorce, and a five year IRS battle. The custody element of the divorce involved doing my own work to discredit the shifty psychologist my ex paid off to recommend sole to him. I effectively dicredited him (via my atty) by all the research I did showing the unreliablilty of custody evaluators, my own psych expert (paid by me) and using case law.
I got joint custody, joint residential, despite being on the definate losing side due to my legal work. I actually miss the court room (the trial was 17 days, I was on the stand for 2) but not the emotion. I'd love to do this as a job, for patients who have gotten injured or worse from our healthcare system. And I've learnd via 4.5 years of legal hearings, depositions and meetings, and all the cancellations because one atty had a cold, or whatever, of the frustrations, yet need for perserverence.
And comments? I'd appreciate them much!
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
17 Articles; 44,800 Posts
Hi. I've been thinking about LNC, but only have two years clinical nursing experience in icu/ccu. I'm about to start home health nursing, just to pay the bills.Yet, I went through a 4.5 year divorce, and a five year IRS battle. The custody element of the divorce involved doing my own work to discredit the shifty psychologist my ex paid off to recommend sole to him. I effectively dicredited him (via my atty) by all the research I did showing the unreliablilty of custody evaluators, my own psych expert (paid by me) and using case law.I got joint custody, joint residential, despite being on the definate losing side due to my legal work. I actually miss the court room (the trial was 17 days, I was on the stand for 2) but not the emotion. I'd love to do this as a job, for patients who have gotten injured or worse from our healthcare system. And I've learnd via 4.5 years of legal hearings, depositions and meetings, and all the cancellations because one atty had a cold, or whatever, of the frustrations, yet need for perserverence.And comments? I'd appreciate them much!
Hello and welcome to allnurses.com and the Legal Nursing forum.
Sounds as if you had a rough introduction to the legal system.
Glad to read of your interest in legal nursing. It is suggested that the RN have at least 3 - 5 years experience before considering the LNC career. Sounds as if you are well on your way....
If you have specific questions and/or concerns, please post or send me a private message. I am happy to assist you.
Good luck with your decision(s). And, hope you are enjoying the site here at allnurses.com.