I cannot express the sense of responsibility I felt with my first legal nurse consultant job, a major brain-injured baby case. I needed to perform far beyond what I believed were my own capabilities in this new career. The Institute’s educational materials and other CLNC consultants I met through the NACLNC^® Directory of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants were invaluable to me.

I later discovered that my big case was 15 years old and had seen very little activity. Previously, a neonatologist had reviewed it but had little to offer the attorney. Before I left the attorney’s office with the case under my arm, he mentioned that if I found anything, I would be greatly rewarded. He also added quietly that this was a test.

You cannot imagine the excitement I felt when, after a four-hour review, I found significant negligence in several areas. Actually, the answers seemed too obvious to me. I began thinking about the attorney’s last words, and I soon talked myself into believing that this was a closed case that had already been litigated. I was sure my review and recommendations would be compared to a previous workup as a test of my abilities.

Instead of verifying this assumption, I decided to develop the best review and report I could. Even if the case was old, I knew I would be billing for my time, and if I did pass the test, there would be more cases to come. I was so elated and apprehensive that as soon as I finished my work. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the case was real after all. Needless to say, I got the job!

This first start-up case was a tremendous learning adventure. I have the necessary foundation, and the Institute has given me the inspiration to tackle the rest. Most important, I have learned that I do have talent and that there is a place for me in this very exciting field.

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