A paralegal nurse provides legal advice on medical or health issues, often consulted by companies and organizations across various industries. Their expertise can be used in editing medical journals, providing opinions on malpractice claims, and acting as an expert witness in court cases. Qualifications include a registered nurse’s degree and a paralegal certification.
A paralegal nurse provides expert advice on legal matters involving medical or health issues. She often consults in the public and private sectors. Her job may be a permanent, full-time position with a specific company, or she may provide her services as an independent contractor.
Rather than using the combined testimony of a legal expert and a registered nurse, companies that use nursing paralegals often find that their knowledge and experience is more helpful. A nurse proficient in paralegal can typically read a document or narrative relating to a medical-related complaint or issue and assess its merits more quickly than a general practitioner attorney. This is generally attributed to their legal understanding and interpretation of medical terminology and medical industry jargon.
Companies and organizations that typically use the services of a paralegal nurse cover a wide range of industries. Medical journals often use their expertise to help them edit and write articles that are clear, concise, and free of any conflicting language or ideas. Insurance companies often ask her to provide a professional opinion on documents relating to malpractice claims. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) may also hire her to interpret contracts relating to patient and physician disputes.
Legal and court cases involving medical malpractice claims, personal injury claims, and employment claims also frequently call for depositions from a paralegal nurse. She may be called upon to help the prosecution or defense prove their case. Her opinion generally falls into the category of expert witness testimony.
A paralegal nurse can also help companies prepare for negotiations and discussions. These could be public court appearances or private consultations confined to a company’s confidential meeting rooms. Their tasks typically include searching charts and charts, studying relevant legal issues and precedents, and interviewing the parties involved.
Objectivity is generally considered an asset for a paralegal nurse. She is often asked to study both sides of an issue to fully assess the legal and medical implications of the situation at hand. In official court proceedings, she is usually required by law to present facts unadulterated by her personal opinions or experiences.
Qualifications for this position usually include a registered nurse’s degree. In addition, a two-year associate’s degree, four-year bachelor’s degree, or nurse paralegal certificate is typically required to qualify for the job. Professional certifications in the field of paralegal nursing are highly desirable. Several years of professional experience as a registered nurse is a normal prerequisite for being hired as a paralegal nurse.
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