Testify in malpractice and personal injury cases as a clinical expert. Expert witnesses command some of the highest hourly rates available to any nursing professional.
Nurse expert witnesses are retained by plaintiff or defense attorneys to review cases, write reports, and occasionally testify. The work is intellectually engaging, entirely flexible, and extremely well-compensated — with deposition and trial testimony rates often exceeding 300 dollars per hour.
Learn the specific requirements, certifications, and skills needed for this income stream in your state and specialty.
Identify any certifications or training programs that will make you more competitive and command higher rates.
Update your resume, LinkedIn, and professional profiles to reflect your interest and qualifications for this opportunity.
Begin with one or two clients or assignments to build confidence, refine your process, and establish your reputation.
Once systems are in place and results proven, expand your client base, raise your rates, and grow your income.
Connect with other nurses doing this work. The RN Network community is full of nurses ready to share real-world experience.
An expert witness gives a formal opinion on whether nursing care met the standard of care and whether a breach caused harm. The work includes reviewing records, writing a report, sitting for deposition and occasionally testifying at trial. Attorneys look for experts who are clinically current in the exact setting involved in the case.
Most experts still practice part-time, since active practice strengthens credibility. Fees are typically set separately for review, deposition and trial, with a retainer up front. Objectivity is everything, and experts who review for both plaintiff and defense are often viewed as more credible.
Update your CV to highlight current practice and specialty certifications.
Study deposition basics and learn how expert reports are structured in your state.
Register with expert referral services and let legal nurse consultants know you are available.
Exam Edge specializes in online practice tests that get you certified the first time.
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