The type of work and the pay of a legal nurse consultant varies with the place of employment. Consultants usually are paid by the hour and typical rates run from about $100 to $250 an hour depending on the duties performed. Legal nurse consulting provides an option for registered nurses to earn better pay while working more reasonable hours than they might otherwise.
Function
A legal nurse consultant is a registered nurse who applies nursing expertise along with specialized legal training to consult on medical-related issues. The consultants have clinical experience in a high-risk area such as an emergency department, intensive care unit, or surgical unit. They then complete a certificate program to learn law enforcement knowledge necessary to become a legal nurse. Another option is becoming a certified sexual assault nurse examiner and learning the field from there.
Geography
Legal nurse consultants usually work for hospitals, law firms and insurance companies. In a large hospital, the legal nurse consultant might work with claims managers and risk managers to complete investigation reports related to liability claims. They evaluate incidents and resulting complaints and lawsuits. In a law firm, the consultant bridges the gap between the attorney's knowledge of law and lack of knowledge about the medical field. Consultants assist attorneys with research, reports and depositions, along with preparing witnesses and giving testimony. Insurance company consultants evaluate malpractice and personal injury claims.
Benefits
Most legal nurse consultants are independent contractors and generally charge from $100 to $150 an hour, higher for more specialized duties such as deposition preparation and court testimony. They may charge hospitals less, in the $60 to $80 range. Those who are employed full time by an organization typically make less, with an average of about $80,000 annually, but full-time employment also brings the benefits of health insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and a 401k plan.
Considerations
Many registered nursing positions require specific 12-hour shifts, and legal nurse consultants typically have a more flexible schedule even when employed full time by an organization. Some positions, however, involve nursing work while doing the legal consulting as an adjunct.
Potential
In addition to the Bachelor of Science registered nursing degree, nurses who complete a two-year paralegal associate's degree can work with law enforcement and attorneys in more specialized legal areas. These legal nurse consultants make the highest hourly rates and charge up to $250 an hour for trial-related work. Some also decide to obtain a law degree.
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