Comments on: Improve Your Legal Nurse Consulting Memory with a Legal Pad

By: Julie R. Gunn RN, CLNC

Julie R. Gunn RN, CLNC — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:36:13 +0000

In “years gone by” I prided myself as a registered nurse who could care for a large number of patients and recall what was happening with each of them at any time. However, in my 50’s, I have discovered that I can no longer effectively divide my brain into innumerable directions and rely on my powers of recollection. Now working with attorneys as a CLNC^® consultant, I have been tempted to think “I don’t need to write that down. I’ll remember it.” It only took one misunderstanding with an attorney for me to realize this was not a good idea. During a case meeting or telephone conversation with an attorney-client, my brain receives so much information that it is impossible to retain each and every detail without taking specific and relevant notes.

By: Connie S. Chappelle RN, MN, CLNC

Connie S. Chappelle RN, MN, CLNC — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:10:37 +0000

I learned how important note taking was in graduate school (which came in handy when I took the 6 day CLNC^® Certification Program). And have honed this process to a fine art.

When speaking with attorneys (phone or in person) I always have a legal pad, highlighter, pen/pencil, and sticky notes at hand.

One attorney that I work with always knows that I will have this equipment available when we are working away from his/my office. I have worked with him so much that I know what he needs before he asks for it. He says I am the most organized person he has ever worked with.

Vickie is right…perfecting note taking makes the process invisible to those around us.

By: Jane Hurst

Jane Hurst — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:12:49 +0000

I agree with you Vickie. Note taking is a must in order to work efficiently. After speaking with my attoney-client, I go over my notes to make sure I will be able to understand them.
I live by sticky notes. I write notes to remind myself about notes! I used to have sticky notes plastered all over my computer monitor until I started using handy computer screen sticky notes. You can buy sticky note software, but I use a free download that works well. You can just Google “free computer sticky notes” to find one. They appear as transparent notes on your desktop. Some downloads even allow you to change the color of the notes from the classic yellow to pink, blue and green. I color code my reminders according to importance. It’s just another layer of added brain “memory,” and I can use all the help I can get!!

By: Suzanne Arragg, RN, BSN, CLNC

Suzanne Arragg, RN, BSN, CLNC — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:09:37 +0000

I couldn’t agree with you more, Vickie!

I have attended many meetings with my attorney-clients. I always have my legal pad and pen. In fact, I carry a few extra just in case others attending forgot to bring one. Yes- others do forget! A benefit to this practice is my legal pads and pens happen to have my company’s name and contact information printed on them. It’s a great way to keep your name in front of your client.

But more important is the active listening and communication that occurs between me and my client. It is impossible to have precise recall when so many details in a given case require attention. Keep those notes and as Chris Rheaume mentioned above, scan them into your PC and you’ll never misplace a handwritten note ever again!

By: Chris Rheaume, RN, CLNC

Chris Rheaume, RN, CLNC — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:14:07 +0000

I appreciate any ideas for supporting my mid-life memory bank!

Taking it just one step further for those (like me) who like to work electronically, would be to scan your notes at the end of the day and file them in your computer in their respective case folders. Your suggestion to use a separate page for each case as you take notes makes this easy.

By: Caroline Bunner, RN, BSN, CLNC

Caroline Bunner, RN, BSN, CLNC — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:53:00 +0000

Thank you for the the tip. Taking notes is essential for me as most of my case discussion is done over the phone. It is imperative that I get all of the details correct. I always follow-up with the client with an e-mail to ensure that I am correct and there will be no surprises for either of us (especially when the bill is submitted).

Tom’s blog regarding setting up the iGoogle account is a perfect adjunct to this blog entry. You can add the “notepad” gadget and have your “to-do” list on your computer and can file away the Post-its until you need to reference them.