Four Ways To Improve Your Nursing Career

In a nursing rut? Here are four ways to feel excited about your future.

1.  Focus on your dream job. Cut to the chase. What aspects of your current job make you happy or sad? Now, stay on course with the ones that make you happy. Exactly why do they make you happy? Can you do more of those tasks and less of the others? Which leads into the next one...

2.  Get more education. It's not enough to have a nursing license, you must continually upgrade your skill set. So, take a course, go to a seminar, listen to a webinar. Just do something to help yourself.

3.  Take time for yourself. Everyday, do something for yourself. Whether that's reading a book, watching something on YouTube or working out. Reduce your stress level.

4.  Give of yourself. Give something back to nursing. Whether it's speaking at a high school to encourage students to become nurses or mentoring student nurses. We wouldn't be the professional nurses were are if it weren't for nursing.

You can do it! Try it!

Nurses: Two Steps To Improve Your Life Right Now

You've been a nurse for a period of time, however short or long it is. What can you do to take your life to the next level?  Here are two tested steps:

1.  Acquire more skills.  Whatever you like to do, learn how to do it better.  You work in the Intensive Care Unit, then get your CCRN certification.  You're a nurse practitioner, then learn the latest about the new medications.  Knowledge is power.

2.  Manage your career.  What does that mean?  If you want to move up the corporate ladder, you need to be a team player.  If you want to branch out and work for yourself, then you need to learn more about where you want to go before you attempt to get there.  Consider it a roadmap.  Would you set out to Australia without knowing the best way to get there?

Being a nurse is a privilege.  For that matter, having a job is a privilege so treat the job, and you, well. And, by the way, have fun at it.

Report Writing Made Easy for the Professional Legal Nurse Consultant

You've completed your review of the medical records, now comes the report. How can you make it thorough, yet understandable? Try these tips:

1.  Short and sweet. No attorney wants to read a dissertation about the med records. Headings in bold or underlined with a paragraph or two under each heading. Period.

2.  Conclusion is key. Be sure your report has your conclusion. That could be the most important part of the entire report.

3. One page, please. You could drone on and on in your report, but don't. Attorneys are busy people. They want your opinion in detail, but there are degrees of detail.

Follow 1, 2 and 3 are you're on your way to a winning report.

Testifying at a Nurse Expert Witness Deposition: Anticipate These Questions

You've decided to be a testifying nurse expert witness but you're unsure what you'll be asked. As a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant, you decided to increase your income by trying your hand at testifying.

First thing is first - you'll be sworn in. No matter what, you are there to tell the truth.

There are lots of questions you will, or may, be asked. Here are a few:

List all things, including documents and other items, you used to arrive at your expert opinion. This means you need to know exactly what the attorney provided to you and everything you reviewed, no matter where you got it from. An internet search, books and journals are sources you may have reviewed and must provide to counsel.

Your education, experience and qualifications. The best way to handle this question is to have a curriculum vitae that is up-to-date. Simply provide that to counsel and be prepared to answer questions about it.

Your opinions and the bases for each opinion. As a PLNC, you have reviewed the medical records and formed opinions. Carefully explain each opinion and how you arrived at each.

You can do it. You have the knowledge, the drive and, most importantly, you are a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant.

5 Ways To Increase Your Legal Nurse Practice

It's time to put into practice what you've been thinking about doing for awhile. Expand your Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC) practice. Here's five ways to do this:

1. Compile a list of fifty attorneys in your area. You want their name, email, address and phone. Send five personalized emails per day including all the PLNC services you can provide.

2. Call each attorney you emailed. For example, you'll send five emails today and tomorrow you'll follow up.

3. Mail each attorney a short letter. Brevity is important so use bullet points to list your PLNC services.

4. Write an article for the local bar association. This is your chance to shine. Tell the reader how you can help, citing your nursing experience and excitement for the job.

5. Get, or update, your Profile Listing on the Jurex Expert Directory. Be sure you add a photograph and post your resume at http://www.jurexnurse.com/about-expert-directory.

You're ready. Now begin.

To Negotiate Your PLNC Rate or Not? That Is The Question

Should you negotiate your hourly rate to review medical records? Consider these first: 1. You want the business; 2. You want the business; and 3. You want the business. So, the answer is clearly "Yes".

Now, how much should you reduce your hourly fee? You want the attorney to use your Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC) services again, so your interactions need to produce a win-win outcome. Start at $150/hour and realize you need to compromise. Does $125/hour sound good? $115? $100?

Caution: Do not go below $100/hour, if you can avoid it, because it becomes the floor, or ceiling, for your next interactions with this attorney. Plus, you want your PLNC services to viewed as valuable.

You Can Provide Lots of Professional Legal Nurse Consultant Services

As a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC), you have lots of tools in your tool chest. Here are a few you should consider promoting:

1. Summarize medical records - so that it's easy for the attorney to understand what happened from a medical perspective. If you're services are being used, it's so you can explain the facts to the untrained individual. Keep your summary simple.

2. Interview witnesses - your opinion of potential witnesses can be extremely helpful. You bring to the table a different view. Offer to help by talking with witnesses.

3. Assist in demonstrative evidence - cases become more real with audio, video and props. Help the attorney come up with evidence that demonstrates a point in the case.

The list goes on and on. You are very valuable and remember that.

Should A Nurse Get Malpractice Insurance?

As a practicing nurse, should you have malpractice insurance? In these times, expect that most nurses have it. Especially, if you are an independent contractor or work for a health care pvoder who does not insure individually named nurses. That's not to say you wouldn't be covered under a policy even if you are not named as an individual insured. It's just extra protection; protection you would want in the event you get sued.

There are many companies who provide this type of insurance, the key is getting the most highly rated on ewith the most coverage for your premium. The worst case would be to have paid the premium throughout the years and not have coverage when you need it.

The amount of coverage will vary depending upon the type of policy and the liability risk. Consider occurrence-base policies first. If it's still not affordable, then look at claims-made policies. Either way, if you get sued, you'll be glad you have some coverage if for no other reason than your comfort level.

Review Photographs & Diary Notes When Reviewing Medical Records

In your review of the medical records, be sure you ask to see any photographs depicting the alleged injuries or diary notes of it, as well. Remember the old saying that a picture tells a thousand words?

It's often much easier to understand something that you've seen as well as read.

So, be sure to ask the attorney if there are photos you can review.

Diary notes of potential plaintiffs, family members or friends often shed insight into a case. Whether they are accurate or not should become clear as you read them. Be sure you ask for them. You'd be surprised how many write, or type, notes, emails, blogs, texts or tweets about their experiences. These could all prove helpful to you in your review of the case.

You must ask for these photographs and notes, or you might be given them.

Q & A with Elizabeth Rudolph, President, Jurex Center for Legal Nurse Consulting

I just answered a telephone call from a very nice nurse who inquired about the Professional Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Course that's upcoming in Atlanta on March 26 & 27. Her question is one that others may have.



Q: Hi. I've been a nurse for three years and just became a Nurse Practitioner. Would I be a good fit with being a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant?



A: Yes, you would bring to the table another aspect of nursing. Being a nurse is essential, but you also have still another knowledge base. While additional degrees are not required to be a successful PLNC, it could enhance your abilities. Combining nursing and the law is a beautiful blend and one that is a must in today's lawsuit-prone society.



Thank you for this question and keep your questions flowing.

Your Professional Legal Nurse Consultant Marketing Materials Are Key: Getting Attorneys Attention

How you present yourself in your marketing materials is key to opening doors. Is your brochure easy-to-read yet colorful enough to entice attorneys to open it? Does your business card reflect the PLNC services you offer? Is your letterhead pleasing to the eye? Consider these suggestions:

1. Trifold brochure colorful and interesting: Your brochure should be no larger than a trifold on 8 1/2 x 11 size stock. Make it colorful, yet simple to read. Be absolutely sure you include all your contact information. You never know how an attorney will want to contact you.

2. Use both sides of your business card: If you have a logo, include it. List your PLNC services on the reverse side in bullet points or include something of interest on that side. Your goal - for attorneys to keep your business card.

3. Letterhead and envelopes match: You want brand recognition. Use the same font on your letterhead and envelopes. Careful on your color selection so that the text is readable.

Lots to think about, but easy to accomplish. Get the Jurex Marketing Pack and let us do the work for you. The Jurex Marketing Pack includes:

250 Color Brochures
250 Sheets of Letterhead
250 Envelopes
500 Business Cards

Marketing yourself is fun. Especially, when you have the marketing materials to back you up.

New Years Resolution Number One - Become a Successful Professional Legal Nurse Consultant

What does it take to become a successful Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC)? A little determination, some drive and a few tools. We'll help you with these.

Let's start with determination. Make this the time you get your career in gear. Not PLNC certified yet? Then get certified. No excuses. There are four ways to get certified as a PLNC: Live Course, Video Course, Audio Course or E-Course. And, there are four live Spring 2011 courses - Atlanta, Nashville, Cincinnati and Chicago. Already PLNC certified? Register for the Unlimited Mentoring Program where you can get help with your questions.

Put some drive into the equation. Do something. Get a 2011 calendar and write down/enter what you're going to do first. For example, if your'e already PLNC certified, you're going to post your Profile Listing on the Jurex Expert Directory. Not PLNC certified, you're going to register for a live course and get $50 off for early registration, PLUS until Jan. 15 we are giving a New Year's discount of an additional $20 off. So, you're saving $70.

A few tools are all you need now. 1. Read, or reread, the PLNC textbook. It's written in an easy-to-understand manner and contains lots of helpful information and tidbits. 2. Take a Jurex e-course. For example, take the e-course "PLNC Practice Basics" or "Practical Technological Solutions". 3. Vow that you're going to do one thing this month to further your Professional Legal Nurse Consultant career.

Go on and take one step. We're here to help you.

Give Yourself A Gift -- of Further Education: Combine Nursing and the Law

While you're going shopping for holiday gifts, give yourself a present. You deserve something, too. What is it? The gift of further education that will open doors previously closed. Any nurse can get certified in two days to be a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC).

Over one weekend, Saturday & Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., you will get the education you need to be a PLNC. (If you're already a PLNC, refer a friend and you will get a present too - $100 off any Jurex product or service with no expiration date.)

Back to you, in two days you will get 15 accredited contact hours and a one year profile listing on the Jurex Expert Directory where attorneys can find you. You will also get a beautiful PLNC certificate that is frameable. Go to www.jurexnurse.com to find out more.

There are four formats to obtain your PLNC certification:

• Live
• Video
• Audio
• E-Course

Spring 2011 PLNC Live Certification Courses:
Atlanta, GA: March 26 & 27
Nashville, TN: April 9 & 10
Cincinnati, OH: April 30 & May 1
Chicago, IL: June 4 & 5

Register NOW and save $50 on any PLNC Live Course!
www.jurexnurse.com

Remember, this gift of education is for you. Happy Holidays from us at Jurex.

Reduce Your Nursing Liability: Ten Ways To Avoid Getting Sued

As a special way of helping you reduce your nursing liability exposure, during this Thanksgiving season we have discounted our newest book Ten Ways To Avoid Getting Sued: What Every Nurse Needs To Know. (Reg. $9.95 now $7.95 until Thanksgiving only. Use coupon code: Thanksgiving 2010). A must-read short book. Only 47 pages.

Here are three bullet points excerpted from Ten Ways To Avoid Getting Sued: What Every Nurse Needs To Know book:

1. Be Nice To All Patients: First and foremost remember this: Patients who like you tend not to sue you. This means to be nice to the patients, even if you don't like them. It is, after all, up to the patient to decide whether or not to sue you.

2. Leave A Paper Trail: One of the most vital components of good nursing care is proper documentation. This practice of thoroughly and completely recoding each interaction with your patients is made even more important when you consider the possibility of legal action against you.

3. Follow The Standard of Care: As a nurse, you know that knowing and following the prescribed standard of care is essential to being a good and safe health care provider. But additionally, following the rules, regulations and guidelines set forth will help reduce the likelihood of getting sued.

This book makes a wonderful gift for any nurse. Take advantage of the ten tools contained in the book and be sure to help other nurses during this time of Thanksgiving.

Brush Up On Your Testifying Skills - Earn Even More Money

A great way to earn even more money as a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant is to testify in cases. True enough, there are lots of cases to review, but testifying can open up more doors for you. Not only do you broaden your horizons, you can earn even more by testifying. Consider the following when deciding whether or not to try your hand at testifying:

1. Time factor. Do you have the time to prepare to testify? Then, do you have the time to actually testify? Money aside, you'll need several hours to prepare to testify and several more to give your deposition testimony. Since more cases settle than ever go to trial, the chances of actually testifying in court are small.

2. Credibility. You can enhance your credibility by testifying. You will draw upon your nursing skills and combine it with your legal knowledge. It's a perfect blend. You might even get more clients from giving a deposition. Remember, others could be in attendance at your deposition.

Then, of course, is the money. You can earn more by testifying, significantly more.

Get Your Career in Gear

Now's the time to do something for yourself. Get your nursing career in gear by getting certified as a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant. First thing is first - get PLNC certified. Next, post your Profile Listing on the Jurex Expert Directory. Then, focus on all the beautiful PLNC services you can provide.

First: Get your Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC) certification one of four ways: Live Course, Video Course, Audio Course or E-Course.

Second: Go to www.jurexnurse.com and click on "Expert Directory" and scroll to "Nurse Login". Create your username and password and then simply complete the fields provided. Download a photograph of yourself, include your resume and, there you go, you're ready.

Third: Think of all the PLNC services you can easily provide. No sense recreating the wheel. Think of about these, for example: Review medical records, interpret medical records, assist in preparation of witnesses, deposition and/or trial preparation of witnesses, consider testifying in cases. The list goes on and on.

It's easy as 1-2-3. Now, take the first step.

Legal Nurse Consultants Need Business Cards

No matter whether you are a new or existing Professional Legal Nurse Consultant, you could benefit from a business card. Not just any business card, but a well-designed one. What makes your business card stand out from the others?

1. The format on the front side of the card. The number one problem with business cards is there's too much stuff on them. Keep it clean and simple. But, by all means, use color. Black and white business cards are a thing of the past. Just concentrate on not putting too much clutter on the front.

2. Your contact info is key. List your name with credentials and company name, all telephone numbers where you can be reached, address but you may want to only list your city and state for identify theft concerns, email address and website address if you have one. Company logo is optional, but you might want some kind of subtitle to let the reader know the type of company.

3. Use the reverse side of the card. Attorneys are more likely to keep your business card if you put something on the back that's noteworthy. How about a bulleted list of your nurse expert witness services? Give the card reader a reason to keep your card.

Readers usually expect your business card to be horizontal. While the vertical format is interesting, stick with the norm on this one.

Need help designing your business card? Get the Jurex Marketing Pack.

Start Marketing Your Nursing Skills Now - Include Your Legal Knowledge, Too!

You got certified as a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC), now it's time to get going and start reviewing medical-legal cases. You can do it, but where do you start? Use these three steps below to get going:

1. Be sure to create your profile listing on the Jurex Expert Directory. Simply login and create your profile listing. Feel free to upload a photograph of you or your resume. It's easy.

2. Promise yourself you'll send out "X" amount of emails to attorneys. Start small and add more email addresses as you get them. Even if you send out only ten emails, that's ten more than you did yesterday.

3. In your emails to attorneys, be sure you include a very brief description of the services you can provide. Bullet point it. No one has time, nor the desire, to read long paragraphs anymore.

Start now. There's no time like the present.

Easy Ways To Locate Other Medical Expert Witnesses

You're reviewing the medical records in a case as a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC) and your attorney asks if you know if a physician expert witness. How do you find a physician expert witness? Simple - go to www.jurexdoctor.com. Here are some things to consider:

Get paid for your referral. Remember, there's no such thing as a free lunch. If you provide the name of a physician who serves as a medical expert witness, you should be paid a referral fee.

What is the amount of your referral fee? Depends upon the market, but you're generally looking anywhere from $250 - $1000. The case could not go forward without the medical expert witness, so what you bring to the table is absolutely essential.

When do you get paid? You should seek your referral fee as soon as possible. Send an invoice for the amount of the referral fee to the attorney. Attorneys are used to paying for this service. Your referral fee should not be contingent upon the ultimate outcome in the case. Remember your ethics and it should serve you in good stead.

Providing other medical expert witnesses is another service you, as a PLNC, can provide. This could be a valuable source of income for you and win-win for both you and the attorney.

Marketing Your PLNC Business Online

There are so many outlets to market your Professional Legal Nurse Consultant (PLNC) business online. Where do you start? Pick three tools and start using them.

1. Twitter: Easy to sign-up and get started immediately. But wait, you need a name so people can follow you. Use your company name, if it's easy to remember, or your name. Then, proceed to post relevant, useful tweets that are 140 characters or less. You must make your posts useful or people will stop following you.

2. Jurex Expert Directory: In today's environment, you need to be accessible via internet. Be sure you've created a profile in the Jurex Expert Directory so attorneys can find you. It's FREE with your PLNC certification and FREE with your PLNC certification renewal. Add your photo, download your resume and add your comments.

3. LinkedIn: Why not get on LinkedIn and start connecting and reconnecting with others? It's amazing how many people you can actually reach this way.

While there are lots of ways to reach people, start with just three. Dedicate even just a little time to these and watch your PLNC blossom.