Want to Become a Legal Nurse, But Have Limited Nursing Experience? Six CLNC® Consultants Advise You

Your nursing experience is one of the most important reasons attorneys hire Certified Legal Nurse Consultants. CLNC® consultant, Jorie Akins affirms, “Your nursing experience is the solid platform from which you’re able to educate attorneys about the complex medical and nursing issues. There are many key components of specialized knowledge that you not only understand, but also live every day. You can provide attorney-clients crucial information about a case – pathophysiology, pharmacology, policies and procedures, standards (adherences to or deviations from), documentation nuances, electronic medical record interpretation, ancillary services and specialty services. This insider information becomes crucial to providing the most informed direction to the attorney representing a client.”

But what if you’re interested in becoming a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and your experience is limited (less than two years)? CLNC consultant, Suzanne Arragg advises, “Consider whether you’re currently working in a unique practice area. Perhaps you’ve mastered your craft in that area. If so, you can market to law firms who litigate cases in that clinical arena.”

CLNC consultant, Dorene Goldstein encourages you to not underestimate yourself, “Attorneys need our nursing experience no matter what it is or how long you’ve been practicing. We understand the ins and outs of the hospitals (what really happens) and know how to decipher medical records.” CLNC consultant, Robert Malaer adds, “I fully believe (and actively practice in my own CLNC business) that you have not because you ask not. Every case is a learning opportunity, so get out there and get started. The worst that can happen is you are told NO, but it is one YES at a time that matters.”

CLNC consultant, Michelle Neal suggests you can acquire more nursing experience while consulting with attorneys, “If you feel your experience in nursing is limited, continue practicing clinically while you navigate your CLNC career. Take the opportunity to grow in both fields.” CLNC consultant, Camille Joyner agrees, “Study the CLNC Certification Program and get certified while you’re gaining more nursing experience. In doing that you will be a more interesting choice to attorneys.” CLNC consultant, Suzanne Arragg adds, “This will only amplify your expertise and marketability.”

Only you can decide if you are confident in your nursing knowledge and experience. Just don’t underestimate what you’re capable of. The CLNC Certification Program will train you how to apply your basic nursing knowledge toward analyzing medical records, researching standards of care, writing reports and implementing 30 CLNC services you will provide to attorneys once certified. The CLNC Certification Program also shows you how to subcontract with other Certified Legal Nurse Consultants who may be more knowledgeable about the issues in a specific case you’re requested to consult on.

And it might help to know you’re not out there on your own all by yourself. LegalNurse.com offers free Mentoring with Vickie and full-time practicing Certified Legal Nurse Consultants for one year from the date of your CLNC Certification. The Institute also offers LIVE group mentoring sessions with Vickie and the CLNC Mentors for CLNC consultants as long as you remain certified. We want you to succeed. That’s why many graduates describe that their relationship with the Institute and other CLNC consultants intensifies after they complete the CLNC Certification Program.

Thanks to Jorie Akins, RN, BSN, TNCC, ECRN, CLNC, Suzanne Arragg, RN, BSN, CDONA/LTC, CLNC, Dorene Goldstein, RNC, BSN, CLNC, Camille Joyner, RN, BSN, CCM, CLNC, Robert Malaer, RN, MSN, PMHN, SANE, CNLCP, CALM, CLNC and Michelle Neal, RN, BSN, CLNC for advising RNs who are interested in becoming a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant, but have limited experience in nursing.

Success Is Yours,

Vickie L. Milazzo, RN, MSN, JD