A legal nurse consultant is an experienced nurse who offers medical expertise to help in legal matters. An RN may move on to become a legal nurse consultant after specializing in an area of nursing such as operations, pediatrics, or physical therapy. An LNC may review medical records with an attorney to determine if there is evidence of negligence. LNC's may also help an attorney prepare depositions, as well as appear as an expert witness at trial. Legal Nurse Consultants may work freelance, or work for an attorney, insurance company, or hospital.

Legal Nurse Consultant Training Requirements

Each state has a Board of Nursing which is responsible for setting requirements for the education and licensing of nurses who practice in that state. A legal nurse consultant has already satisfied the requirements set forth by state boards by obtaining a degree, receiving RN certification, and maintaining certification by taking continuing education courses.

An LNC has already obtained a BSN degree, RN certification, as well as other advanced specialization certifications. Once an RN has several years of experience, they may begin work as a legal nurse consultant by working on cases with attorneys. Legal nurse consultants may increase credibility by obtaining a graduate degree and certification in nurse legal consultant specialty. However, certification is completely optional, though highly recommended. A certification course program covers topics including legal terminology, civil litigation, torts and medical liability, and medical records summary. Certification is available through the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board.

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Legal Nurse Consultant Training

Training for a legal nurse consultant job comes directly from nursing experience. A legal nurse consultant has a BSN (Bachelor of Science of Nursing) and is certified as an RN (Registered Nurse). A legal nurse consultant has several years of nursing education and experience as well as specialization. RNs may specialize in critical care, pediatrics, oncology, or any number of fields of medicine. This specialization prepares them to explain complicated health matters and medical jargon to attorneys to aid in medical-related cases.

Legal Nurse Consultant Prerequisites

A legal nurse consultant has advanced training in nursing, and must have several years of nursing experience to become a legal consultant. An LNC must have obtained a BSN degree and have pass RN certification. At this point, the RN gathers important medical experience while working in any number of settings including hospitals, private practice, and offices. Though not required, it is also helpful to have relevant legal experience.

Legal Nurse Consultant Continuing Education Courses

A legal nurse consultant must take continuing education (CE) courses to follow guidelines set forth by state nursing boards. CE courses are required periodically by all RN and LPN to renew licenses. Search HealthCare-TrainingCenter.com to find continued education courses for Legal Nurse Consultants.