Certified Legal Nurse Consultant Shares 3 Memorable Ways She Has Made a Difference

As a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant, I have had a number of wonderful experiences. These are the three memorable ones I want to share with CLNC^® consultants everywhere. After reading this, I hope you’ll agree that we do make a difference.

The first case involved an autistic 19-year-old boy. He was put on a new medication, not monitored properly and ended up being self-abusive to the point of severely injuring himself. He tore his face apart and became septic. His parents were frantic. I was able to pinpoint the issues for the attorney. Before I reviewed the case and made my recommendation, the physician had refused to change this young man’s medication. I was instrumental in getting him the appropriate help so that his behavior returned to baseline. His parents and the attorney were so grateful. The attorney continues to consult with me, and also frequently refers me to other attorneys. This case gave me one of my first opportunities to say, “Ah ha! I see what legal nurse consulting is all about.”

The next experience was with an attorney I have worked with for years. He only does cases involving dog bites. However, in one case, I found that it was not just a personal injury case, I discovered malpractice. The case suddenly got much more intense and the depth of requested information increased. My information provided my attorney-client with a finished product he will never forget. The case grew to voluminous proportions once I uncovered the malpractice. My attorney-client tells everyone how pleased he was with my CLNC^® work product, and how fortunate he feels to have a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant help with his cases. He says this case proved why he cannot do any of his medical-related cases without me.

My third memorable experience is not a case but how wonderful I feel when I meet CLNC^® students. I have such a positive sense of satisfaction when they tell me that the opportunity to speak to a full-time practicing Certified Legal Nurse Consultant helped them make the decision to go forward with becoming a CLNC^® consultant. I feel I am a part of an exciting new start for a fellow nurse, looking for a new way to use his/her nursing knowledge. I know for them, like me, that going through Vickie’s Certified Legal Nurse Consulting program will be a life-changing decision, and knowing I’ve made a positive difference in their lives makes me feel very excited and happy.

I love making a difference as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant.

Dale Barnes, RN, MSN, PHN, CLNC