Job Responsibilities
Review of medical records listing relevant events in
chronological order (IE, putting a court case together).
Assisting with affadavits.
Expert witness if/when case goes to trial.
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Job Requirements
There are courses in which to get certified for this, but I have
not taken these. I do, however, have over 20 years experience as
a bedside nurse in various critical care settings making me an
excellent resource person for the lawyer.
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Uppers
Some Legal Nurse Consultants do not have the flexibility I have, but I am able
to bring home a copy of the medical records to review them at the house on my
time. (That means I get holidays and weekends, and can even shuffle my schedule
around my son's field trips, etc. If my in-laws, or father, would get sick, I
could take my work on the road and do it from anywhere as long as I had computer
access. What more could I ask for?)
The pay is excellent, although not typically as good in this area as the various
websites would have you believe, but much more than your typical nursing career
could offer.
I'm blessed...I have a wonderful boss, but I know you can't put that anywhere on
your survey.
It's challenging putting a case together. I like working for the prosecution
for this reason.
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Downers
In this area of the country there isn't much work. I am having
to find other work to supplement the job I love as I need to pay
bills.
I am a people person and I don't get as much contact with other
people working out of the house.
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Lifestyle
Dress code: so far it's been good casual wear. If going to court would expect
to wear suit.
Hours: flexible (with my current position), although some LNCs work "regular
hours" in a legal firm, insurance company, etc.).
Business travel: I only travel when a court case is being tried, so very little
travel on my part.
Social events: have not had any yet; very little I suppose.
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Compensation
I am only a part-time person being paid by the hour for each case
reviewed.
I do not have benefits working for this small firm. I am paid
$50/hr (my choice at present as I am asking that Dr. Montgomery
train me as I go); once more experienced he has already informed
me that he would like me to come back to him with a better offer
(IE, he'd pay me more).
I do not have stock options.
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Advice to Jobseekers
I believe this career will become more valued as time goes on as
it is already more prevalent on the coasts and in the bigger
cities. My advice: expect to have a job on the side if you have
to pay bills; it takes awhile to establish clients to use your
services, and even when they say they will use you, sometimes the
work doesn't come as soon as you anticipate. (I've had four
other lawyers that have indicated that they would use my services
and after 4-6 months I am still waiting to hear from them. Dr.
Montgomery has only had three cases for me in six months with it
taking only an average of 5 hours to review a case. IT IS SLOW
from this end.)
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