What Does an RN Legal Consultant Do?
When the legal system requires healthcare expertise, an RN legal consultant can be of assistance. The duties of an RN consultant are particular to the legal matter in which he or she is involved. A case may require a single consultation, or an RNC may be retained for an on-going consultative role.
For plaintiff or defense attorneys seeking an expert for a medical malpractice or personal injury case, the qualifications of the expert are paramount. Once retained, the medical expert must be prepared to respond to inquiries from opposing counsel, review invoices and records, and prepare for depositions and trials.
Specializations of an RNC and the typical duties include:
An RN is familiar with the importance of documentation for quality of patient care , as well as legal purposes – therefore, a delay in patients’ lab work, abnormal lab results, missing physician orders or discharges before physician discharge orders can occur may be seen as a risk management issue and may be fatal to a case. Shifts in the standard of care will need to be analyzed; care deviations may fall within a wide range. In an appeal or a post-award hearing, the legal consultant may need to attend a meeting and discuss issues or to analyze informed consent issues, patient and family education or medication protocols.
The intersection of healthcare analysis with legal issues is a sound and relevant area for those with both nursing and legal expertise.
Average Salary for RN Legal Consultants
As with many professions, the earnings of RN legal consultants can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including years of experience, geographic location, and opportunities for advancement. In general, a staff RN consultant may be expected to earn about $35,000 to 50,000 per year. An RN consultant operating his or her own business will theoretically have unlimited potential, but in practice this income will be commensurate with the ability to attract clients and keep them satisfied. Much more rapid growth in income can be seen in the second career RN consultant. In 2014, the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants reported salary ranges for second career consultants; for an RN with one to five years of experience, the salary range was $112,000 to $144,000. Those with more than 10 years of experience reported earning about $216,000.
What Affects This Salary?
As with most professions, numerous factors can influence an RN legal consultant’s salary. Geographical location stands out as a major consideration. For example, while their counterparts on the East Coast may earn upwards of $145,000, those in the Midwest or South may see figures closer to $75,000 to $90,000 annually. Large urban centers also tend to pay higher than their smaller counterparts, although there are always exceptions. On the other hand, many of the highest-paying positions require extensive experience. These high-end salary jobs might expect 10-20 year backgrounds.
Certifications can also affect salary, since holding a CNA certification can provide evidence of advanced medical knowledge. Coupled with a legal background, this can make an RN legal consultant particularly attractive to potential employers. Experience with trial prep and testimony can also add significant value. Keep in mind that nursing consulting not limited to trial involvement though. Non-litigation consulting may not be popular with all nursing professionals, but those who prefer it can still earn significant salaries.
In addition, level of education may affect salary, with some positions favoring a MSN over a BSN.
Career Options and Salary Growth
As an RN legal consultant, career advancement opportunities often come not just from tenure, but from specialization and education. Many experienced consultants move on to higher-paying positions such as healthcare compliance officer, healthcare risk manager , or full-time healthcare attorney. Experienced legal consultants or those who have earned an LL.M. can also teach or publish articles. The key to success as a legal nurse consultant is to stay one step ahead of industry trends and transition into new areas of specialty as the needs increase: for example, by gaining expertise in new insurance protocols or telemedicine policies. Or obtaining additional degrees such as a JD, LL.M., or practicing law part-time.
Perks and Pitfalls
When weighing the benefits and drawbacks of working as an RN legal consultant, a variety of factors come into play. The most salient of these may be the RN legal consultant salary, but other facets of the position are also important to consider.
The RN legal consultant’s salary is certainly one of the position’s most notable benefits. Compared to many RNs, the RN legal consultant earns a salary that is much higher than average. This income may range from $88,000 to over $119,000 annually, depending on the nurse’s level of training and experience. While the average salary for certified legal nurse consultants (CLNCs) is $104,739, those without certification make an average of $85,401. As of September 2019, salaries for attorney nurses ranged from $75,000 to $117,000.
The salaries for healthcare consultants of other backgrounds are similarly high, but there is often a tradeoff in the form of deeper specialization. For instance, while physician consultants and pharmacists earn an average of $105,500 and $102,000 per year respectively, their work is less broad-based than that of the RN. As such, nurses are at an advantage when it comes to the range of career opportunities available within legal nurse consulting.
In addition to their salaries, RN legal consultants enjoy a number of other benefits. Perks of the job include the ability to work from home, flexible hours and geographic freedom. Given the sheer volume of records that must be reviewed by legal nurse consultants, these features are especially appealing for those who have a passion for research.
Ultimately though, satisfaction with a career as a legal nurse consultant rests on the degree to which the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. For many, the salary and other advantages of the job are high enough that even the disruptions associated with an occasional travel requirement are minor setbacks.
Maximizing Your Income as an RN Legal Consultant
In the world of nursing and legal consulting, maximizing your salary potential involves a combination of ongoing education, networking, and a deep understanding of your industry. Here are some proven strategies to help you advance your career and increase your earning potential as an RN legal consultant: Pursue Additional Certifications and Specializations: Taking the time to become certified in a niche area of nursing or legal consulting can result in higher salary prospects. For example, becoming a certified nurse life care planner can expand your career opportunities and your financial portfolio. Invest in Advanced Education: While many legal consultants only hold an RN, exploring advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on legal nurse consulting can open the door to new opportunities in areas such as expert witness testimony or healthcare regulation. Consider also a joint MSN/J.D. program, which can increase your versatility and appeal . Network with Professionals in Your Field: Build a robust network of professionals within both the nursing and legal fields. Attend seminars and conferences, join relevant associations, and reach out to other professionals in your area of expertise. Your network can help you learn about new job opportunities and bring in new consulting work. Stay Up-to-Date with Current Trends: The healthcare and legal industries are always evolving. Detailed knowledge of current trends, rules, regulations, and best practices is essential for any professional working as a legal consultant. Staying informed helps you to maintain a competitive edge in the industry and increases your value to potential employers. Seek Out Diverse Experiences: Legal nurse consultants are often sought after for their detailed perspective on medical records, surgical procedures, risk management and healthcare standards. By working in diverse settings, ranging from hospitals to private practices to insurance companies, you broaden your expertise, making you more valuable to potential clients.