Are you confused about your career?
Do you want to be in the legal industry, or in healthcare, but can’t choose one?
But what if we say you don’t have to?
Sounds interesting right? Well if you are interested in both the legal industry and healthcare, then you can choose a career as a legal nurse consultant.
Legal nurse consultants work with lawyers, attorneys, hospitals and other organizations. This is a rewarding career that connects nurses with the legal field. Let’s explore more about legal nurse consultants further in the blog.
What is a Legal Nurse Consultant?
A legal nurse consultant is a healthcare professional that offers advice related to the medical field. Generally, to lawyers and other legal professionals. They provide expert advice on cases that are related to injury or medical malpractice. The certified legal nurse consultant analyzes healthcare issues and provides legal teams in certain cases.
They help lawyers and firms better understand cases from a medical perspective. Lawyers usually rely on these nurses to analyze medical evidence while evaluating medical cases.
The root of legal nurse consultant took place in the late 1970s. Later fully established itself with the formation of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC).
What Does a Legal Nurse Consultant Do?
The duties and responsibilities of legal nurse consultants may vary from case to case. However, some of the common duties of legal consultants include.
1. Review Medical Records: One of the most basic things that legal nurse consultants do is review all the medical records related to the case. They determine if all the records are on point and measures are accurate.
2. Revising legal documentation: The legal nurse consultant drafts and reviews all the legal documents that contain medical information. They ensure the accuracy of all the legal documents.
3. Estimating cost of care and damages: The next responsibility that legal consultants have to take care of is estimating the cost of healthcare. They have to help attorneys determine the estimated amount of care for the case. They also determine the estimates of the cost of damages relating to care.
4. Doing additional research: Law nurse consultants might not know everything about the case right off the bat. To have a better understanding of the case, especially from the medical point of view, they conduct additional research.
5. Preparing testimony: Preparing for the case testimony is one of the most crucial roles that law nurse consultants have to play. Because they have to appear in front of the court, they prepare for the testimony in advance.
6. Attending medical examinations: Attending the medical examination is also the duty of a law nurse consultant. This will help them glean more information about the needs of their patients and the consequences they have faced.
7. Taking inventory of evidence: Law nurse consultants will have to review the medical evidence that is present on their own hand. It is a crucial part of their job.
Are Legal Nurse Consultants in Demand?
Yes, the demand of legal nurse consultants is in demand. This demand is increasing as the legal system is completely dependent on them for medical expertise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that nursing employment will grow at a rate of 6 percent through 2031. If you want to be in this profession, you may go ahead as the demand for it will rise in the future.
Legal Nurse Consultant Salary
Although there is no accurate data on the salary of LNCs, there is data that suggests a reasonable salary range. This range can give you an idea of what you can expect if you are entering this field. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary of registered nurses is around $77,600. However, you have to keep in mind that this salary range may vary depending on the place, experience, and expertise.
How to Become a Legal Nurse Consultant
To become a legal nurse consultant, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Become An RN
To become a law nurse consultant, you must be a registered nurse. Any individual who wants to be a legal nurse consultant should first work on getting a nursing license or certification. There are a few different paths that you can take to become a registered nurse.
Firstly, you can opt for a bachelor’s degree program or you can go for a specialized training program and associate degree program. Once you pass your degree program, you will have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This is to practice as a registered nurse.
2. Get Experience As An RN
After you have completed your degree, it is time to gain experience as an RN. You can just enter the legal field without any prior experience with medicine. You can work in hospitals, nursing centers and under independent doctors to gain relevant experience. This experience will shape your future, so it is necessary to gain that experience.
3. Take Necessary Screenings For Legal Work
Because legal nurse consultants have to take drug tests and background screenings, they must take part in screenings. They should act as credible witnesses. If you want to enter the field of law, make sure you take the necessary screenings required for the job.
4. Consider A Legal Nurse Consultant Certification
Although it may not be necessary, you should opt for legal nurse consultant programs to have a successful career. Both accredited universities and professional organizations offer these certifications. The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) offers certificates for it.
Legal Nurse Consultant Certification
1. Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC): LNNC is a certification that is offered by the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board. To appear for this certification, the individual must have at least two years of experience. This exam covers different aspects, such as legal principles, ethics, case analysis, etc.
2. Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC): Vickie Milazzo Institute offers this certification. For completing CLNC, you will have to complete a CLNC 6-Day Certification Seminar. This certification offers training for legal nurse principles and practices.
3. Advanced Legal Nurse Consultant (ALNC): This certification is offered by the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC). This certification also requires a minimum of two years of experience as a registered nurse.
The Bottom Line
If you are passionate about the medical field and have an interest in the legal industry. A legal nurse consultant can be a perfect career option for you. With the rise in the need for medical expertise in the legal world, this profession is becoming popular. If you are interested in starting your career as a law nurse consultant. You should follow the above-mentioned steps and earn a few certifications that are mentioned in the blog.