Nursing attorneys are trained in both law and ethics. They work as consultants to health care providers and legal professionals. A nurse with a Juris Doctor degree can be an attorney in some situations. A nurse with an Executive Juris Doctor degree can serve as a consultant without actually representing clients. In the field of law, nursing attorneys have two primary roles: advocacy and client care. They must be knowledgeable about both of these roles to be effective. They must also adhere to ethical and legal requirements as they practice.
A nursing attorney must first complete a nursing education and become a Registered Nurse (RN). To become an RN, a student must complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program from an accredited school. After passing the NCLEX-RN, she must complete the requirements of her state. Upon completion of her nursing education, a nurse attorney must gain experience working in a hospital or health care clinic before applying to law school.
A nurse attorney must be licensed to practice law in their state. They must take two separate licensure examinations, the BAR and NCLEX. Failure on either exam will prevent a nurse from practicing law. A nurse attorney must also keep up with the changes in law and stay up to date on any new laws that could impact their client’s cases. This can be time-consuming and expensive. However, nurse attorneys are a great option for those who want to make a difference in their patients’ lives.