Becoming a legal nurse consultant requires a lot of training and professional experience. It also requires extensive knowledge of medical procedures, processes, and routines, as well as unique communication and observation skills and attention to detail. As with most nursing professions, training to become a legal nurse consultant begins with the registered nurse examination. A keen interest in law and health care leads many to become advocates for nurses` rights. Whether starting out in the medical or legal field, a nursing lawyer degree requires both a law degree and a nursing degree, and many choose to work in one field to gain experience while pursuing the additional degree. CNLs working in hospitals, clinics or other health facilities typically work in-house in medical risk management or legal services. They usually have the following tasks: The demand for legal nurse consultants remains high due to their medical expertise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 7% increase in registered nurse positions from 2019 to 2029, exceeding the national average of 4% for all occupations. Upon completion of a registered nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure. Some aspiring nurse legal consultants also complete articling and work with experienced individuals in the profession to learn more about how CNL works with its clients before practicing their own advice. To obtain your Legal Nurse Consultant (LNCC) certification, you must go through the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) and the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board (ALNCCB).
The LNCC is the only certification of its kind accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties. The first step to becoming a legal nurse consultant is to earn a nursing degree. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing combines the fundamentals of nursing theory with practical clinical practice to develop an in-depth knowledge of a variety of different medical procedures. If you enjoy solving medical problems, researching and analyzing information, and collaborating with others, a nurse`s advice may be for you. Read on to learn more about the salary, job description and educational requirements required to become a CNL. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that nursing employment will grow by 12 percent by 2028 — much faster than the average for all jobs. In addition, the aging of baby boomer nurses approaching retirement and the growing health needs of baby boomers are leading to a current and projected shortage of future care. Those seeking a career in legal nursing counseling should have experience in the medical field and knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology and current standards of care for various disease processes. They should also value the defence of patients` rights.
Interest and knowledge in the field of law is encouraged. First, check out the “career pages” on the websites of the medical error companies and CNL consulting firms you are interested in. There are many online resources available for job search, including nursing social media sites, career sites, and dedicated nursing career sites like our own job site nurse.org. This qualification is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) and is comparable to recognized nursing qualifications such as RNC, CCRN, CEN, CPN and CCRN. Nurse legal consultants can work in different environments. From courtrooms to government agencies, his litigation expertise is invaluable. A legal nurse consultant can work in the following areas: To become a legal nurse consultant, you must gain experience as a practicing nurse before you can take on this role. This experience is an important part of the equation because, as a legal nurse consultant, you need to be able to review information and understand documents such as medical records, have important medical knowledge and experience, and research information for cases. Typically, CNL can find work in government agencies, insurance companies, law firms and court agencies. One experienced LSE noted that, in the past, the consultation rate for a CSN was considered three to four times higher than the “typical” nursing salary in the same location, but with increasing nursing wages, a more accurate estimate can be double the local hourly nursing rate.1 Nurses interested in health law may consider a career as a nurse advocate. However, becoming a nurse lawyer requires a law degree and admission to a state bar association. While legal nurse consultants provide support and expertise in legal affairs, nurse advocates are advocates themselves.
Stony Brook University`s Legal Nurse Consultant training is offered in a single course and is designed for registered nurses and PAs. The course lasts 42 hours, although it is divided into three sessions. Stony Brook designs sessions that last about two months, so it takes about six months to complete this program. Although lengthy, Stony Brook offers an incredibly low rate for the course, and nurses have a lot of flexibility with studies during the course. It is important that CNL only accept cases where it has a strong clinical basis. CNL performs many functions on behalf of the legal team and its clients. A concentration in medical-surgical and/or critical care can prepare CNL to deal with issues related to a variety of legal cases. CNL may also have specialized nursing experience, including orthopedics, obstetrics, neurology, cardiology, oncology and rehabilitation. A unique care program that prepares you to become a registered nurse. It`s also a career path with growth potential and a higher salary scale possible, making it attractive to registered nurses who are also interested in the legal system.