What Is a Legal Nurse Consultant?
A Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) is a nurse who assists the attorney or law firm with the health care issues of a medical related legal case. Legal Nurse Consultant assists attorneys in reading medical records, understanding medical terminology and the health-care system. This nurse consultant screen cases for merit, assist with discovery, do medical research, review medical records, identify nursing standards of care, prepare reports and summaries on the extent of injury or illness, create demonstrative evidence, and locate or act as expert witnesses.
Employment opportunities for a LNC
Law Firm
This would be a great place to gain experience, working for a law firm. After you learn the ropes you could start your own consulting business.
Government Agency
There are many government agencies you could work for such as the Health Department, the Police or Fire Department, any agency dealing with health issues, risk management, quality assurance or workman’s compensation just to name a few.
Insurance company
Here you can also work in risk management, workman’s compensation, medical compliance and personal injury.
Education/Writing
You could teach others on Legal Nurse Consulting or write continuing education courses, articles, e-books or text books.
Self employment
Open your own nursing business and specialize in the following areas:
~ Personal injury
~ toxic torts
~ product liability
~ medical negligence
~ criminal law
~ elder law
~ expert witness
~ Life Care Planner
Education Needed
A nurse does not need to know the law and no law degree required, though you will need to know what certain things mean like discovery and negligence. Your main job will be to interrupt the medical record, providing information about the case that will help the attorney decide if the case has merit. Become educated in this field so you can understand how the system works and the language they use.
There are many schools that offer classes just for nurses, do your research to find the one that’s right for you.
You do not need an advanced degree such as a Bachelors or Masters. If you are a nurse with an active, current, non restricted license as a registered nurse you can become a LNC.
You also do not need to be certified to work as a LNC. The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants recommends that you work 2,000 hours as a LNC before taking their exam.