This article talks about nurses with whom we are all familiar. However this is a unique view of the career called Legal Nurse. It is a logical consequence with so many Lawyers handling medical cases that require well trained and experienced people with medical knowledge. Legal Nurses have become part of the litigation team.
Legal Nurses
Legal Nurses work for law firms, insurance companies and hospitals and often serve as expert witness in legal cases. To be a legal nurse, a 4 year degree in nursing is necessary and sometimes a graduate degree along with at least 3 years of experience in the nursing field. Sometimes certification as a nurse consultant and possibly some legal education is requested by employers.
Nurses who work for lawyers need to read medical records, do forensic medical consulting and investigation, and help colleagues who need to understand the medical significance of an illness in light of the cases being represented. Legal nurses can also do medical research and screen cases to determine if they are worth accepting. Legal nurses need to have excellent communication skills to convey medical information. Knowledge of medical terminology and the ability to make fine distinctions in health care are important in this position.
Law Firms often seek RNs who have their consultant certification. Some certification is more inclusive than certificates which only offer basic education in 40 hours training. The more advanced certification provides comprehensive training. The legal nurses with a paralegal certificate can work freelance for a law firm and charges in the range of $100 to $250.00 an hour. If a Law Firms employs a legal nurse, the salary is around $80K.
Hours for Legal Nurses can be much better than the long 12 hour shifts they would work in a hospital with patients. Working for a law firm their job is often done in an office or courtroom and hours are based on the hiring firm’s requirements. Legal nurses can also work for insurance companies or corporations where the hours may be closer to 40 hours a week.
Hospitals that employ Legal Nurse Consultants have them work with risk management and claims management. They investigate claims brought against the hospital and do investigative reports regarding those claims.
The overall
job opportunities in nursing are expected to be excellent over the next decade. As a Legal Nurse (Consultant with a certificate) or an RN with a paralegal certificate, you have given yourself the best chances to be employed as a legal nurse demanding the best salary.
In conclusion, Legal Nurses will be in demand as opportunities in law, insurance, corporations and hospitals increase. The Legal Registered Nurse is important for Lawyers who must understand the significance of the jargon used in medical records and by the medical staff. Nurses with their RN and further education will be in a better position to compete. Nurses who freelance with a consultant certification are inline to earn the best pay at $250 per hour. The Legal Nurse is better paid than the hospital nurse and has the opportunity to work shorter hours. A Legal Nurse has more
opportunities to work for the private sector, insurance and corporations. The health care field will contribute the most new jobs to our economy and employ many health care professionals. Legal nursing looks like a great direction for many nurses, especially those looking for pay increases and a new environment in which to work.
Please see the following articles for more information about legal staff positions:
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