Becoming A Legal Nurse

A legal nurse is a licensed nurse specializing on a specific field of nursing. A legal nurse consultant (LNC) works with legal professionals on the medical aspects of the law. To specialize on this field, the following requirements apply:

1.A bachelor's degree in nursing and subsequent passing of the state licensure examinations for nurses are primary requirements. Without these, a nurse cannot start a career in the legal field. There are rare cases, however, when one with extensive nursing experience will be considered even without a license or a bachelor's degree.

2.An aspirant must gain at least one or two years of actual experience working as a full time nurse. Exposure to various medical conditions and environments is an advantage and can enhance one's credibility. As a consultant, professional advice and expert opinions are expected of the LNC. Where better to draw these advice and opinions but from actual experiences. Higher paying jobs are available for the more experienced legal nurse consultants.

3.A nurse must also complete one of several available certificate programs for LNC's. These programs cover topics such as judicial concepts, legal language and terminology, and the roles that a nurse plays within the justice system. These short-term seminars and courses can be completed in as little as six days after which an examination must be passed to obtain certification. Passing the course will give the candidate additional credentials for the job.

4.Apply for an LNC job. A nurse may be a legal nursing consultant on a part time basis while keeping a regular job as a staff nurse. This is usually the case when one is just starting to have a feel of the legal environment and deciding on whether to make a career shift or not. Another option is to work full time as an LNC right off.

Career options for an LNC include joining law firms specializing in various types of medical malpractice, insurance companies in need of a medical expert for related claims, and hospitals that need a medical professional to act as liaison with the legal department.

While working as a registered nurse, you are already making a significant difference in the individual lives of your patients. But as a legal nurse consultant working with legal luminaries, you can make an even bigger difference in the high profile legal world. Of course, you always have the option to work backstage and away from the limelight. Aside from the financial rewards, as a consultant, you will be able to control of your time and more importantly, your life.