Interested in both healthcare and law? Can't decide which career path to pursue? Why not pursue them both by becoming a nurse attorney?
In this article, we'll talk about what nurse attorneys do, how much they earn, and the steps you can take to become one.
What Does a Nurse Attorney Do?
A nurse attorney is a professional who bridges the gap between healthcare workers and the law. They hold both nursing and legal degrees and licenses.
Nurse attorneys commonly attend nurses and other healthcare professionals in legal proceedings. This role comprises various job duties, including:
- Representing healthcare practitioners in court
- Serving as expert witnesses
- Reviewing insurance claims and medical records
- Providing consultation services to healthcare organizations
- Proposing healthcare policy changes
Nurse attorneys can work in a variety of settings. Most work for hospitals or legal firms; others work in colleges, universities, government agencies, and other professional organizations.
What Qualities Do You Need to Become a Nurse Attorney?
Nurse attorneys must have an excellent grasp of healthcare, law, and the overlap between these two fields. They must have an excellent understanding of the laws and regulations governing healthcare.
They must be willing to learn continuously to stay up-to-date with any changes to law and policy that may affect their clients.
They must have excellent communication skills, as they may be required to give testimony in court, collaborate with both healthcare and legal professionals, and write documents and reports.
They are often good leaders, problem-solvers, and analytical thinkers. They should also be well organized and able to multitask, as they may be required to handle several cases simultaneously.
So, do you want to become a nurse attorney? Follow the steps below to pursue this career.
1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree
The majority of nurse attorneys start as registered nurses. A bachelor's degree is not required to become an RN, but it is necessary to enter law school.
Therefore, if you plan to become a nurse attorney, the most direct route is to start by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
These programs usually take about four years to complete. If you are already an RN, many schools offer accelerated RN-to-BSN programs that can be completed in a year or two.
After obtaining your bachelor's degree, you can go on to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) if you want, though this is not necessary. MSN programs take an additional one to two years to complete.
2. Become a Registered Nurse
To become a nurse attorney, you will need to become familiar with the healthcare system. The best way to do that is to gain experience by working as a registered nurse.
After completing your degree, you will need to pass the NCLEX exam to obtain your RN license. You may then begin applying for nursing jobs.
You will probably want to spend a few years working in this field before entering law school. This way, you will become well-versed in healthcare law and policy through hands-on experience.
3. Pass the LSAT Test
Once you are ready to enter law school, you will need to pass the Law School Admission Test or LSAT.
This examination tests your critical thinking skills, reading and writing, and logical reasoning abilities. It consists of a multiple-choice section and an essay section.
Successfully passing the test does not guarantee you will be accepted into the school of your choice, but it is one of the prerequisites for getting into law school.
4. Complete a Law Degree
The next step in the process is to complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Most general law degree programs last about three years; some take longer, while others can be completed more quickly.
During your time in law school, you will study legal writing and methods, court procedures, and more.
Those planning to become nurse attorneys should take as many classes relative to healthcare policies and regulations as possible.
5. Get Licensed
After graduating from law school, you will need to become licensed to practice law within your state. You receive this license by passing your state's legal bar exam.
There are some variations in this exam from state to state, but in most cases, the test will consist of two sections, covering federal and state-specific laws, and is completed over two days.
Those who successfully pass this exam can begin looking for nurse attorney jobs within their state. To be able to work in another state, you will need to pass that state's bar exam as well.
Become a Nurse Attorney Today
Working as a nurse attorney can be a fascinating and highly rewarding profession. If this sounds like the ideal career path for you, begin taking steps to become a nurse attorney today.