What nuring specialty is more marketable as a legal nurse consultant?

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I have been under the impression that med/surg experience is the most valuable. Am I right?

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I would think that it is nursing experience period. Med/Surg would be one, but there are others as well.

Kris

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I know obstetrics is the most litigious area of nursing, so that might be of use too.

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I am a CLNC. I have been for 3-4 years. I have yet been able to lock in a case because I do not know "someone" or I am not very good at marketing myself. I love this kind of nursing but I recommend a good marketing course before you get started. Cathy

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I am a CLNC. I have been for 3-4 years. I have yet been able to lock in a case because I do not know "someone" or I am not very good at marketing myself. I love this kind of nursing but I recommend a good marketing course before you get started. Cathy

I have started linking back up with a few of my former classmates who have their own law firms. I might get a gig or two when I am ready.

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A friend of mine does consult work - she's an expert in LTC

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I would say ICU. I did postpartum nursing in anticipation of being in law school, but I've found (practically) all the cases we see were in the ICU at some point.

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Specializes in Ventilation Unit, Med Surg, ER.

Does anyone know the minimum licensure level for a Legal Nurse Consultant?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Does anyone know the minimum licensure level for a Legal Nurse Consultant?

Hello, Dianalynn,

Depends if you are seeking certification as an LNC. The V. Milazzo course requires 3 years minimum. The AALNC requires at least 5 years as well as documented hours in the past year.

I think an RN with at least 5 years is sufficient, IMHO.

Are you considering this? If so, please post here and let's discuss this or send me a private message. I will be happy to assist you.

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I would think ICU to be the best training model for legal nursing. It is the most complex unit medically speaking. The ICU RN's I know are very knowlegable about drugs, life support equipment, emergency procedures and treating the "mistakes" from other units. Also, the 2 legal nurse consultants I know started as ICU RN's.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Career -- As to which specialty would be the most valuable... I would think that would depend on the type of case at issue.

Nurses with years of multi-unit experience combined with risk management or insurance backgrounds might have an edge overall. But still if their expertise doesn't cover the focus area involved in the litigation, then they'll likely not be hired.

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

Actually being "hired" or not usually doesn't depend upon the area of expertise. The LNC is marketing him/herself to the attorney-client. And, the LNC does so utilizing the marketing package. A part of this package is the fee schedule. The LNC who takes on a case with the attorney/s can do any case - consulting - and, if she/he has difficulty in any area, can utilize the expertise of other LNCs. That's what I do. I have years of experience in a myriad of specialities. But, there are certain areas that I have zero first hand experience. I know where to research to find the information to assist my case and I know how to get answers from other LNCs/experts.

For example, I have not had firsthand experience in pediatric oncology (other than dx/tx in clinical practice an NP). But, I would not turn down a med-mal/PI case in this area. I know how to conduct research and sub-contract when necessary.

But, as an expert witness, the LNC is required to be experienced in the area in question. The LNC cannot testify outside their field of expertise.

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