The CLNC® Pros Share What They Love About Being a CLNC® Consultant

I asked the CLNC^® Pros what they love about being a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant. Their responses are both varied and similar. Here’s what they say.

“There are so many things I love about being a CLNC^® consultant, that it’s hard to nail it down to just one thing. I suppose the best part is the flexibility and growth potential. I have been blessed to work in various areas since I became certified. Just as in nursing, a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant can work in many areas. It is all up to you! Top rated areas I love are:

As an independent practioner:

• Flexibility – The freedom to control my own schedule – I was able to work part-time or full-time/with or without another job.
• The freedom to learn as I went, and choose the types of cases and attorneys I wanted to work with.
• Knowing I make a difference in the lives of those who are injured or sick.
• Writing in my own style, choosing my own direction and planning and marketing for myself… Managing my own destiny.

As an employee of an insurance company:

• Being appreciated, respected and valued for every part of my job by my coworkers and associates and being recognized as ‘intellectual property.’
• Knowing I make a difference in the lives of those who are injured or sick.
• A new exciting case awaits around the corner and there’s always something to do.

I had not expected to be so successful so quickly as a CLNC^® consultant. I did expect success, as I ‘do it all or nothing.’ I have been blessed, and I thank God often for introducing me to Vickie and LegalNurse.com at just the right time in my life. Life had given me a few lemons at that time… and boy did I make a lot of lemonade that keeps reproducing.”

Tina R. Aluzzi, RN, BSN, CLNC

“For me, being a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant is synonymous with the word freedom; the freedom to choose. This freedom delivers the independence, satisfaction and flexibility that a traditional nursing position cannot provide. I am free to choose to work anywhere and at any time. I am free to choose not to work today, but tomorrow instead. I am free to enjoy a summer morning and the warmth of the sun…even while analyzing a case. I am free to get a massage anytime I feel like it. I am free to spend the day with my sons, daughter and granddaughter without having to worry whether work is being done.

In 1998, as a single parent to three children, it was difficult to find a job that provided not only the financial requirement, but also the flexibility a single parent requires to raise a family. Becoming a CLNC^® consultant changed all that. Becoming a successful CLNC^® consultant requires a steadfast commitment to effective and clear communication, client retention, meeting or beating deadlines and focus upon business strategies. Is it simple? No! Can it be achieved? Yes! Can you do it? Yes! My faith in God, my dedication and the promise I made to myself to never, ever give up, has paid off exponentially. I am not referring to money (although that is definitely a benefit), rather my relationships, health and way of life being completely changed − 180 degrees!

My freedom to choose has generated P-E-A-C-E-F-U-L living.

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E mpowerment

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C reativity

E ndless opportunities

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Suzanne E. Arragg, RN, BSN, CDONA/LTC, CLNC

“When I became a CLNC^® consultant in 1999, it was a reaction to my frustration in hospital administration. Every time a hospital where I was employed was bought, sold or merged, I was downsized right out of a job. Seeing the ads for LegalNurse.com and the opportunity to be my own boss was very appealing.

As the years have gone by, I have realized how much I appreciate being my own boss and controlling my own schedule. In addition, there is a bonus in that it is never boring and never the same. Each day, each case, each attorney is different and has its own challenges. This is perfect for my lifestyle. I like the fact that no day is routine.

I feel blessed to be in charge and face each day with a new challenge. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to make my life my own.”

Dale Barnes, RN, MSN, PhN, CLNC

“As a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant I have been able to integrate skills honed over the years from various areas of nursing practice with new knowledge and skills learned through LegalNurse.com. For example, I can utilize the nursing skills that I value such as:

• Direct care, empathic presence, emotional support and listening skills – interviewing victims of sexual abuse as well as parents and spouses, being present to an attorney-client who has lost a meaningful case, listening to colleagues and other members of the team as they grapple with complicated issues such as the senselessness of violence or the defense of a mental health staff whose client murdered his wife and two children before committing suicide.
• Teaching – attorneys and other professionals, subcontractors, nursing students, nursing staff and members of the community.
• Working as a team member – working with attorneys and other members of the legal team, health care professionals or those for whom I am subcontracting.
• Supervising, delegating, and mentoring others – subcontractors.
• Research, data compilation, and reporting – finding data to understand issues, provide accurate and meaningful information, and prepare needed written documentation.

The benefits have been ongoing and important. I can schedule and plan my time, work quietly in my home office when I choose to or work with attorneys and other professionals in their settings. Through LegalNurse.com, I receive CLNC^® Mentoring, weekly emails with thought provoking information and advice and continuing education offerings such as Advanced CLNC^® Practice-Building Programs and case studies. The National Alliance of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants offers conferences, collegiality, peer review and a vast network of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants ready to assist when needed.

The result is that in my senior years, I have begun (and continue) to develop expertise in a new and exciting nursing specialty – legal nursing consulting. This work has been mentally challenging and stimulating, sometimes frustrating and difficult, but enormously satisfying and gratifying.”

Carolyn J. Bilodeau, RN, BSN, MS, CLNC

 

“I rediscovered my passion for nursing when I became a CLNC^® consultant in September 2000. I was a nurse with 26 years of nursing experience and was suffering from what I called “Professional Bradycardia”. As a CLNC^® consultant I have experienced professional growth, professional freedom and a new found creative spirit.

The benefits are many. I have gained back the passion for nursing, I have learned to dream once again and I have my CLNC^® compass set to navigate those dreams. Being a CLNC^® consultant literally changed my life forever. Whether it’s working on cases, giving presentations or writing for enjoyment and profit, my nursing career is now and will always be alive and exciting.

With LegalNurse.com’s specialized knowledge etched into my brain back in 2000, I then experienced the burning desire to start my own business which led to my faith that my Certified Legal Nurse Consulting business would succeed, and succeed it did, over time and with persistence. My imagination led me through my marketing process by creating audio recordings that would educate attorneys to my CLNC^® services. I still sell my nursing knowledge to attorneys via the audio cd format.

I discovered my “Theory of Nurseativity” as a direct result of being a CLNC^® consultant.

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Enthusiasm is equal to a nurse’s mind times their untapped capabilities squared. The reverse of this equation also holds true. When a nurse opens their mind and recognizes all their untapped capabilities, then and only then, will the nurse experience Enthusiasm and Excitement in their career!

We all have seeds of greatness within us and for me it was Vickie’s CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar that made sure those seeds in me had the proper environment in which to germinate and grow. Thank you Vickie for your green thumb. Thank you Vickie for being you!”

Lawrence H. Frace, RN, CLNC

 

“My favorite thing about being a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant is the ever present and continuous opportunity for lifelong learning. I loved being a nurse caring for patients and then progressing through the administrative ladder to become a senior vice president of patient care services in a multi-hospital system. I did however, tire of the 365 day a year responsibility. Once my first grandchild arrived in 1998, I knew I absolutely wanted more free time in my life, but certainly did not want to give up nursing. I completed Vickie’s CLNC^® Certification Program in 2005 and now I am able to fully utilize my extensive nursing experience to defend nurses.

I find the learning experience different than dealing with life and death situations in the ICU, but equally satisfying in that when I seek to expand my knowledge, I am doing so in an unhurried and largely unpressured setting. I do believe that what I do and the expertise needed to be a CLNC^® consultant is most important to the clients I serve who are other registered nurses.

The decision to become a CLNC^® consultant and the accompanying success has changed my life in many ways, but most important to me, is the baby born in 1998 is 13 and he will graduate with honors this year. I will be there early to find a front row seat. I have not missed a school ceremony, sporting event or a simple request to take him somewhere since 2005. My grandchildren are now 13, 9, 3 and the baby turns 2 today. I enjoy watching them grow, playing with them, taking them to the zoo and being there for them as well. I expect that my successful CLNC^® business and the accompanying pleasures of my family life will continue. Thanks Vickie!”

Margaret M. Gallagher, RN, BSN, MSN, CLNC

 

“One of my favorite things about being a CLNC^® consultant is the freedom and independence I now have. I no longer have to worry about sticking to a set schedule. Owning your own business gives you the ability to work where you want, when you want. In the winter I have more of a set schedule, working most days during the day, but summertime is more challenging. As the days get longer, I want to be outside more so I need to be creative with my work schedule. I spend most of my workdays outside in my backyard on my laptop working on cases. Since most of my cases are delivered to me electronically, this is very easy to do. I love being able to sit by the pool and take in some fresh air while researching injuries and going through medical records. I still manage to schedule breaks so I can go for a swim. I would much rather sit by the pool and work than work a 12-hr shift in the hospital.”

Dorene Goldstein, RNC, CLNC

“My absolute favorite thing about being a CLNC^® consultant is independence. I can make my own choices, and I have immense flexibility in my schedule that matches my own personal lifestyle. Because my husband and I are empty nesters and have vacation timeshares, we travel a couple of times a year. We like to make sure we get away from the pressures of everyday life, and becoming a CLNC^® consultant has afforded me the ability to make this a reality. I can create flexibility by scheduling cases around my schedule, or for pressing matters, I can bring work with me on my laptop and stay in touch with my attorney-clients through email communication, even when I am out of the country. I can make time for me!

Becoming a CLNC^® consultant has put me in the driver’s seat of my professional and personal life. No holidays, weekends, 12-hr shifts or hoping no one else wants the same vacation week I requested. Although there are times when a case demands long hours or the attorney-client needs a quick review or response, necessitating an unexpected shift in my priorities, I am in control and make decisions that are in my best interests. I have grown, personally and professionally, in confidence, self-reliance and self-esteem. I have taken control of my life, and that is a well-deserved and well-earned change for the better!”

Debra Good-Zeiner, RN, BSN, CLNC

“For me the best part of being a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant is the variety – from the cases to the people to my day – it’s always something different.

My life has changed in many ways. I am able to continue working as a nurse using my skills mentally instead of clinically. When it really sunk in that I wasn’t going to be able to work in a traditional nursing role, it was difficult. In my mind, my worth as a nurse had a great deal to do with my ability to do the physical work.

The CLNC^® Certification Program taught me that I do have a lot offer – I already had the basic ingredients to be successful on my own.

Working independently gave me the luxury of being able to be home when my kids were young. If they were sick, I didn’t have to make that difficult decision whether or not to call in or find someone to stay with them while I was at work. I went on field trips, was a room mother and I was always home after school.

I have grown as a person, becoming much more confident in everything I do.”

Jane Hurst, RN, CLNC

“As a new CLNC^® consultant, I had initially envisioned working many cases for many attorneys when I resigned from my job. However, my former CEO persuaded me to consult for the acute general inpatient rehabilitation facility where I was previously employed. Later, I engaged in a second contract with a sister facility, handling and coordinating appeals for Medicare denials. Three more facilities followed suit. While I do consult with attorneys on a regular basis, it’s for ALJ (administrative law judge) hearings.

Medicare ALJ hearings focus on proving medical necessity and requesting the judge to agree to order payment for services Medicare has previously denied. While we frequently receive favorable decisions, it is necessary to be vigilant that all the facts of the case are presented.

Frequently, just presenting relevant research in the lower-level written appeals is sufficient to receive a favorable decision before resorting to the hearing process. In these and many other areas, CLNC^® preparation was excellent training for this work. In addition, I provide staff and physician education regarding documentation to help the facility avoid denials.

My favorite part is helping the facility to argue the medical justification for the rehabilitation stay and helping the facility get paid for that care as a result. Acute general inpatient rehabilitation facilities have an important role to play in patient care. Their care can affect a patient’s level of recovery and quality of life, for the rest of his life. Knowing I am doing my part to help that care continue to be available is very satisfying. It’s also wonderful to set my own hours, and to be able to work around family needs as they may arise.”

Camille Joyner, RN, BSN, CCM, CLNC

“When I decided to take the CLNC^® Certification Program in 2006, I remember thinking not just that this was a great way to use my 20 plus years of nursing experience, but more importantly, it was a way for me to expand my horizons. Expanding my horizons is an understatement.

Being a CLNC^® consultant has opened so many doors for me and given me great opportunities to be a creative, independent and self motivated woman. I love having the ability to decide who I want to work with and when I want to work. Being a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant also allows me to take my work anywhere I want to go.  If I am on a trip, I just take my laptop with me.

One of my CLNC^® friends always says, ‘Have case, will travel.’

However, I think the thing I like the most about being a CLNC^® consultant is how this job has given me a sense of personal security. The professional growth I have gained is great, but being a CLNC^® consultant has taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I have always been confident in my ability, but my CLNC^® career has provided me with the avenues in which to pursue all my professional dreams and goals. It gives me a feeling of strength and fulfillment that no other job has ever done. I learn something new almost every day and that has made all the difference in my success.”

Millie Mannion, RN, BSN, CNOR, CLNC

“Becoming a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant was the smartest career move I have made since becoming a registered nurse in 1987. Throughout my nursing years, I gained valuable experience in many areas, including ICU, dialysis, labor and delivery, midwifery and teaching/education. In all of these settings, I was always under the control of the agendas, schedules, rules and regulations of the management system. As a CLNC^® consultant, I am my own boss. I absolutely love the freedom to work at my own pace and on my own schedule. I can truly plan my work around my family and life, not vice versa. I make significantly more money as a CLNC^® consultant and the freedom and independence are priceless. I also enjoy collaborating with other CLNC^® consultants who have experienced this same transformation and are of the same mindset in the approach to business. I only wish I had become a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant sooner in my nursing career. I am finally receiving the compensation and respect that reflect my nursing experience and knowledge.

My favorite benefit is the satisfaction that I receive by knowing that this specialty truly demonstrates my commitment to upholding both the best in patient care and the best in nursing and medical practice. I am willing to work for either the plaintiff or the defense, because ‘I call it as I see it.’ Reviewing medical cases and having the opportunity to advocate for patients, nurses and medical professionals reminds me of why I became a nurse in the first place. Nursing is truly a caring profession. And being a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant provides an outstanding avenue for the demonstration of caring and advocacy. Quality cannot be sacrificed or compromised; this is proven over and over again by the work of CLNC^® consultants. I am so thankful and blessed to be a member of the CLNC^® community. The future is exciting as the opportunities for growth of the profession are endless!”

Jody L. Perez, RN, MS, CNM, SANE, CLNC

 

“Owning my own CLNC^® business has brought me financial freedom. Although I live in the ‘Last Best Place,’ Montana has a population of less than one million and ranks near the bottom of per capita income. My town of 35,000 is the fourth largest city in the state, has the highest cost of living and has some of the lowest nursing wages. Five years ago, I chose LegalNurse.com because it was the only program that taught me how to create and run a successful business. I purchased the VIP CLNC^® Business System and by following all of Vickie’s recommendations, I have built a successful CLNC^® business billing $125/hr and quadrupling my hospital income.

My life changed in late 2010 when I walked away from the low paying hospital position and became a full time CLNC^® consultant. My husband was laid off a few months later, and instead of facing significant financial hardship and uncertainty, I was confident my growing business would make up for his lost income. I was right!“

Susan Schaab, RN, BSN, CLNC

“My favorite thing about being a CLNC^® consultant is being able to build and grow my own new and unique career using the tools and skills Vickie taught me coupled with my favorite part of being a nurse, which is teaching. I enjoy educating and explaining the results of my case analysis with my attorney-clients, and helping them understand the medical issues and terminology involved. I enjoy feeling that I am a valued member of the litigation team. I remain confident knowing that they need my expertise for their successful outcomes. I love that each case is different, and that I am able to perform many types of CLNC^® services. The work of a CLNC^® consultant is always interesting and exciting; it never gets boring. I have such a great balance with my CLNC^® business, clinical practice, family time and personal time. I am able to be my own boss, work when it is best for me, and adjust each day and week on my own terms. I also love explaining to people and contacts that I meet about what I do as a CLNC^® consultant when they ask what kind of business I operate. I have such a sense of pride that I built my own successful CLNC^® business and that spills over into all aspects of my life!”

Julie Soman-Becker, RN, BSN, CLNC

Thanks to all the CLNC^® Pros for sharing how their lives have changed since becoming CLNC^® consultants and why they love it.

Success Is Inside!

P.S. Comment and share what you love about being a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant.