Becoming a Member

For a Membership Application click here.

Networking

Network with fellow LNCs in person at our quarterly meetings.
Participate in a Listserv – free of junk mail and advertisements – that allows open communication among members “24/7”.

Education

Educational presentations on issues pertinent to LNCs – medical, legal, business, marketing, etc. available at Chapter meetings.
Resources and references for the Legal Nurse Consulting profession are available for your review during educational meetings. Suppliers who carry the desired manuals are provided.
An Annual Fall Conference, CEU approved, on pertinent medical/legal issues.
Additional educational opportunities are available to our members through our participation in a Professional Educational Collaborative.
The Listserv communication indirectly provides education as questions are asked and answered by Chapter members.

Peer Support & Camaraderie

Membership provides an immediate circle of colleagues and friends who are happy to lend advice and support.
Members can log on to a membership directory that serves as both a resource and marketing tool.

Increased Exposure to Potential Clients

The Chapter often receives requests from attorneys and other potential clients for assistance in finding a particular expert – consulting and/or testifying. These requests are posted to the Listserv, giving all members an opportunity to respond.
All members can participate in our newly developed "LNC Locator" that makes your nursing specialty and contact information available to prospective clients at any time.
Involvement in Chapter work provides an abundance of opportunities to meet prospective clients as you promote the profession and the association.
More established Chapter members may subcontract work to other LNCs when their workload is excessive, or when they’re in need of a certain nursing expertise they do not personally possess.
In the process of providing expert witnesses to our clients, Chapter members look first to their own colleagues whenever possible.

Application for Membership

You must be a current national member of AALNC before you can apply for membership in our local St. Louis Chapter. Membership fees cover the calendar year. The application form can be accessed through the national website at www.aalnc.org/membership/.
You must complete the membership application in full, including your current National membership number.
Local membership fees also cover the calendar year. Please note that dues paid to the St. Louis Chapter by a newly joining member from January 1 through September 30 are applicable for that calendar year only. Dues paid from October 1 through December 31 are applicable to the remainder of the current year, as well as all of the upcoming calendar year.
You will have the option to submit your application online and pay via PayPal, or print and mail your application and check.

Please do not initiate the online application unless you are prepared to submit it with your current National membership number and payment. Your application will not be considered until payment is received and your National membership is verified.

If you have further questions or any difficulties with the application process, please contact us at: LegalNurseConsultants@aalncstlouis.org

Please click here to use our automated membership application system.

FAQ

Q. Do I have to be an attorney to practice as a Legal Nurse Consultant?

A. No. Active RN licensure, in good standing, is all that is required.

Q. How do I become educated in Legal Nurse Consulting?

A. There are many choices for education in the field; and the options continue to grow as colleges, universities, and independent entities enhance their curriculum with courses on Legal Nurse Consulting. A formal education is not mandatory; however, most benefit from a structured introduction to the specialty. To determine which program is right for you, consider these issues: cost; time commitment; ability to travel for an intensive, on-site program; reputation and credibility of the program/instructor(s); etc. For more details see the AALNC position statement on education at www.aalnc.org/about/faq.cfm. Information regarding AALNC online course can be found at www.aalnc.org/onlinelearning/index.cfm

AALNC offers several package choices, all designed to give you the most complete LNC education. Click here for more information and to register!

Q. Once I’ve been educated, how do I get started in the field?

A. If you don’t feel sufficiently prepared to take that first step after completing the program of your choice, AALNC has educational products on marketing and setting up a business. You can view them at www.aalnc.org/about/marketing.cfm and www.aalnc.org/edupro. In addition, networking within the St. Louis Chapter as an active member provides a continuous connection to colleagues experienced in the field. Frequently, Chapter meetings feature guest speakers and Chapter members sharing tips on marketing.

Q. Do I have to be certified to practice as a Legal Nurse Consultant?

A. No, certification is not necessary.

Q. Are all certifications the same?

A. No. Various educational entities and professional organizations each have their own certification process. AALNC holds that certification in a nursing specialty promotes a level of expertise, education and professionalism. LNCs must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by AALNC to earn the LNCC (Legal Nurse Consultant Certified) designation. This includes proof of consulting experience, and a passing score on a multiple-choice examination that is administered by the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board (ALNCCB). The LNCC certification program is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS). Additional information on certification can be found at www.aalnc.org/lncc/.

Q. Do I have to be practicing as a LNC and/or certified to join AALNC?

A. No. AALNC welcomes all professionals who share in our mission and goal. There are varying levels of membership, including a level for non-nursing professionals. Bylaws do state however, that you must be a member of the national association in order to join a local Chapter.

Contact Information:

LegalNurseConsultants@aalncstlouis.org

Site Last Revised June 2011