Name: Gina Antonucci Topic: Legal Nurse Consultant

1. Educational Requirements
Beyond becoming a registered nurse (RN), a legal nurse consultant (LNC) typically works for
at least five years as an RN in a number of settings such as in obstetrics or emergency. By doing
so, they are often able to obtain insight into some of the legal issues impacting healthcare
stakeholders. Although there are a number of educational opportunities available to nurses who
wish to become a LNC “formal training in legal nurse consulting is not required to practice”
(Turner, 2007, p. 71). However, by enrolling in one of the LNC certificate programs, such as the
program offered at Kent State University, and/or becoming board certified as an LNCC (Legal
Nurse Consultant Certified) through the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants
(AALNC), a nurse can further position themselves for success by advancing their knowledge and
expertise in legal matters.

2. Specific Responsibilities
Interestingly, a LNC works in collaboration with attorneys as well as with other legal and
healthcare professionals. Overall, they may work in “independent practices, the hospital setting
in risk management, or be employed by law firms or health insurance companies” (Catalano,
2012, p. 452). As a result, specific responsibilities may vary widely across these areas. However,
in general, job duties include “identifying, reviewing, and interpreting relevant medical records,
hospital policies and procedures, other documents, and tangible items to help the attorney get to
the heart of the case quickly” (Milazzo, 2007, p. 47). In addition, a LNC often testifies as an
expert witness in court proceedings.

3. Advantages/Disadvantages
Similar to other professions, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages when it
comes to working as a LNC. For instance, a few of the advantages may include job flexibility,
autonomy, creative and challenging work, and salary potential. In other words, if a nurse works
on a contractual basis they will likely have more autonomy in terms of their work schedule,
which can allow them to achieve work-life fit. By contrast, a few of the disadvantages may
include the lack of training provided, tort reform, and no longer providing direct patient care in
the clinical setting. In other words, as mentioned above, considering formal training is not
required, a nurse may initially find it difficult to decipher certain legal documents as well as be
able to identify any deviations from the standard of care. That being said, the advantages and
disadvantages certainly need to be weighed when deciding whether or not to pursue becoming a
LNC.

4. Schedule/career mobility/salary
Overall “most LNCs practice part time (48 percent). Of those, almost 30 percent work as
consultants less than 5 hours a week, while 24 percent work between 5-10 hours a week” (“How
to Become a Legal Nurse Consultant,” n.d., p. 4). Therefore, it is a profession that certainly
offers flexible working hours. On the other hand, in terms of mobility, the progression largely
depends upon where a LNC decides to work. For instance, in the hospital setting, an individual
may work towards becoming part of the ethics committee or even participate in quality assurance
programs. Finally, in terms of salary “the range is [anywhere] between $39,000 to $79,000”
(Echaore-McDavid, 2007, p. 135). Of course, this figure fluctuates based on a number of factors
such as experience, location, type of organization, and the number of hours worked.
 References

Catalano, J. T. (2012). Nursing now!: Today’s issues, tomorrow’s trends (6th ed.). Philadelphia,

PA: F.A. Davis Co.

Echaore-McDavid, S. (2007). Career opportunities in law and the legal industry (2nd ed.). New

York, NY: Ferguson.

How to become a legal nurse consultant. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2015, from

http://www.graduatenursingedu.org/legal-nurse-con2sultant/

Milazzo, V. (2007, January). Legal nurse consultants keep the healthcare system healthy.

Imprint, 54, 46-49.

Turner, S. (2007). The nursing career planning guide. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett

Publishers.