1 expanding your LNC practice in criminal case consultationMelissa Becker RN, CFN Certified Forensic Nurse Legal Nurse Consultant

2 Introduction Legal Nurse Consultant Forensic Nurse Correctional NurseDeath Investigator Endoscopy PACU Invasive Radiology Cath Lab Renal RN Clinician Cardiac RN Clinician IV Home Care Heart Failure Home Care ER Nurse ICU Nurse EMT Paramedic

3 Expertise I help nurses identify & market the specific areas of their clinical experience that can be applied to criminal case consulting

4 Challenges Identifying your areas of expertiseShowcasing your expertise Getting your foot in the door Capturing your audiences attention Identifying specifically what you can do

5 My Struggle Took the course Bought the dream Knocked on the doorsGot my first case; now what Wait, wait, wait

6 My Solution “I” vs YOU” Thinking Diversification of my LNC servicesBroadening types of LNC cases Education as a means to marketing

7 Results “Go to Person” Overall expert Do anything they needMultidimensional Broad based work flow CRIMINAL CASE CONSULTING

8 Old World/New World Myths and Trends RealityThe more $ the better the answer Medical experts know it all Medical experts know how to review a criminal case Medical experts will tell me how to address the issues in my case Reality Most medical experts are experts at treating patients not analyzing a criminal case

9 The Solution FrameworkIdentify your knowledge base What types of cases does this apply to How do you apply this to a criminal case How do you get this through to the attorney Do you need additional training

10 Identifying your area of expertiseJust as nursing has different areas of focus so do criminal cases Murder Assault Domestic Violence Child Abuse Child Protection Stalking Narcotic Possession/Abuse/Fraud

11 Emergency Nurses ExpertiseTypes of cases All types Functions/Role Educate on anatomy Identify normal vs abnormal physical findings Evaluate injuries/patterns of injury Review statements/interviews Educate on medical issues Is level of charge consistent with injuries involved

12 Critical Care Nurses ExpertiseTypes of Cases All types Functions/Role Educate on anatomy Identify normal vs abnormal physical findings Evaluate injuries/patterns of injury Review statements/interviews Educate on medical issues Is level of charge consistent with injuries involved

13 Pediatric/Public Health NursesTypes of cases Child Abuse CHIPS petition (child in need of protective services) Domestic Violence Homicide/Assault/Battery Functions/Role Education on Anatomy Identify normal vs abnormal physical findings Educate on normal child developmental levels Evaluate prior medical history Evaluate child interviews/statements

14 OB/GYN Nurses Types of Cases Functions/Role Adult sexual assault casesAdult physical assault Domestic Violence Functions/Role Educate on anatomy Identify normal vs abnormal physical findings Evaluate injuries/patterns of injury Evaluate medical records/OB records in pregnant cases

15 Long Term Care/Rehab /Home CareTypes of Cases Elder Abuse/Neglect Financial Abuse Psychological Abuse Medication Diversion Cases that have victims with paralysis Functions/Role Educate on baseline functional status Identify normal vs abnormal physical findings Evaluate injuries/patterns of injury Is level of charge consistent with injuries involved Evaluate statements/interviews Evaluate progression of medical condition Address complications common in paralysis cases

16 Psychiatric Nurses Types of Cases Functions/RoleChemical Dependency issues Mental Health issues Prescription Fraud/Abuse Drug Addiction/Child Welfare Murder/Assault Functions/Role Give opinion on mental capacity Review medical/chem dep/psychiatric records Evaluate mental health report/evaluation Discuss meds and side effects Discuss drug/alcohol levels and effects

17 General Nurses Types of Cases Functions/RoleVaries depending on speciality/training/education Functions/Role Educate on anatomy Identify normal vs abnormal physical findings Evaluate injuries/patterns of injury Is level of charge consistent with injuries involved

18 All Nurses Understand basic medical conditions Abrasions ContusionsLacerations Fractures Burns

19 Identify Your Target AudienceCriminal Justice Non Criminal Justice/Public Attorney Paralegal Investigator Dispositional Advisor Probation Officer Child Protection Worker Adult Protection Worker Nurses Physicians Foster Care Providers Teachers Daycare Providers Students/Teenagers Lay Public

20 How to make contact There are a number of ways to make contact MailLetter Card Postcard Package Telephone In Person

21 Making Contact Sell the benefits of your presentationTalk about “You” not “I” Have a short, brief, targeted introduction

22 Get Yourself Known Speaking for organizationsWrite a press release/submit to your local newspaper Nursing CEU’s Programs or presentation at a school/college Blog Start a group Become a resource person

23 Get Yourself Known Contact local nursing organizations, offer to speak or provide continuing education related to forensic topics

24 Establish your expertiseEducation Certification Work Experience Trainings Educational Presentation

25 Seek out additional trainingForensic Nurse Courses Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Courses Death Investigation Sexual Assault Child Abuse Domestic Violence Legal

26 First Steps Identify your area of expertiseCurrent Future What types of cases can this area focus on What specific types of injuries could be involved Additional education/training Purchase the crime power point presentations