“I never went back to the hospital once they called me. I had already built something that gave me more flexibility, stability, and purpose.”
— Erin Ellsworth, RN & Legal Nurse Consultant
If you’re a nurse looking for a way to use your clinical skills outside the hospital walls — this post is for you! Let’s be honest—many of us entered nursing because we wanted to care for people and build a stable career. But somewhere between the endless charting, short staffing, and back-to-back 12-hour shifts, you may have started asking yourself: “Is this really sustainable?” Or even: “What else can I do with my license?”
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. More and more nurses are exploring flexible, non-bedside roles that still use their clinical knowledge—but offer more freedom, better pay, and less burnout.
One of the most promising (and surprisingly little-known) paths? 👉 Legal Nurse Consulting.
What Is a Legal Nurse Consultant?
A Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) is a registered nurse who uses their medical expertise to support attorneys and legal teams in understanding medical records, procedures, and standards of care in legal cases.
They’re the bridge between healthcare and the legal world.
What Do Legal Nurse Consultants (LNCs) Actually Do?
Legal Nurse Consultants work on a wide range of cases including:
- Medical malpractice (plaintiff or defense)
- Personal injury
- Product liability
- Worker’s compensation
- Mass torts
- Criminal cases involving medical evidence
Their job might involve:
- Reviewing medical records and identifying issues or timelines
- Summarizing records for attorneys
- Educating legal teams on medical conditions and treatments
- Helping determine if standard of care was met
- Testifying as an expert witness (in some cases)
Do Legal Nurse Consultants Work Remotely?
YES. Most LNCs are independent contractors who work from home or remotely with law firms. This flexibility is one of the biggest perks of the role—and it’s what draws many nurses in.
💬 Meet Erin: From NICU Nurse to Legal Nurse Consultant
To help you get a real-world look into this career path, I spoke with Erin Ellsworth, a seasoned LNC and founder of The Legal Nurse Collective.
Her story is inspiring, honest, and full of insights for any nurse ready to explore something new.
Tell us about your nursing background and how you got started as a Legal Nurse Consultant.
Hi, I’m Erin Ellsworth, a Registered Nurse for almost 22 years and a Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) for nearly 9.
I’m originally from Mississippi and spent 17 years at the bedside in NICU, PICU, and general pediatrics, including 8 years as a travel nurse.
When the pandemic hit, I was working two bedside roles—one in the NICU and one in pediatric PACU. I was furloughed from both within 2 weeks of each other. Then my husband was furloughed just two weeks later.
That moment pushed me to take the leap and make LNC work my full-time career. I never returned to the hospital once they called me back because I had already built something that gave me more flexibility, stability, and purpose.
How did you break into this field?
Like many nurses, I did a lot of research and ended up paying $10,000 for a course I thought I needed because the marketing was strong.
I was 22 weeks pregnant and wanted to build something before becoming a mom. The course was informative, and I learned a lot about the profession—but not much about how to actually start or get clients.
Once I came home, I started my LLC but felt lost. It became a lot of trial and error until I found an old Yahoo group listserv, where I began networking and finding subcontracting work. That’s when things started to click.
What kind of cases do you work on?
Most of my experience has been in med-mal (medical malpractice) cases for both plaintiff and defense, as well as personal injury and mass torts. I’ve reviewed everything from NICU to adult cases.
Do you need special certifications to become an LNC?
Nope. Your clinical experience is your biggest asset.
You don’t need a certification to start. While some nurses pursue credentials like the LNCC (Legal Nurse Consultant Certified) later on, it’s not required to begin.
If you’ve got at least 2 years of nursing experience and an active RN license, you can get started.
How Much Do Legal Nurse Consultants Make?
This varies depending on your role and how you work.
Here’s what Erin shared:
| Role Type | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Independent LNC w/ own clients | Up to $150/hour |
| Subcontractor for another LNC | $40–$75/hour |
| Testifying Expert Witness | Starts at $250/hour |
The best part? You set your own rates and schedule as an independent LNC.
“There’s no cap if you build your own business. But it takes time, consistency, and learning the business side.” — Erin
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
“I’ve always designed my workweek around part-time hours of 25–30 hours a week,” Erin says.
With young kids, she works in pockets of time:
- Early mornings before they wake up
- During nap time or school hours
- After bedtime
- With the help of a sitter when needed
This career offers a huge amount of flexibility—ideal for nurses who are parents, caregivers, or simply want more control over their time.
✅ Pros and Cons of Legal Nurse Consulting
Pros:
- Remote work
- Flexible schedule
- Higher income potential
- Intellectually engaging work
- You’re your own boss
Cons:
- You’re a 1099 contractor (no health benefits)
- You’re responsible for your own taxes
- You’ll need to invest in your business setup (LLC, marketing, etc.)
- It can take time to land consistent clients
Is This Career Path Right for You?
According to Erin, the best LNCs are:
- Adaptable and open to feedback
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Self-driven and comfortable working independently
- Coachable and willing to learn new skills
This path is especially great for nurses who love clinical work but want more control, time freedom, and income potential.
How to Get Started as a Legal Nurse Consultant
Erin’s advice: Start with the business side, not just the clinical knowledge.
She now teaches other nurses through her Legal Nurse Starter Bundle—a resource she created based on everything she wished she had when she started.
It includes:
- Templates
- Marketing tools
- Case samples
- Contracts
- Mentorship support
📚 Erin’s Recommended Resources
- Legal Nurse Starter Bundle – www.erinellsworth.com
- Follow her on IG, FB, and TikTok: @thelegalnursecollective
- LinkedIn: Erin Ellsworth
Final Thoughts: You Can Pivot. You Can Grow.
If you’re a nurse who’s craving more—more time, more income, more autonomy—legal nurse consulting is real and doable.
You don’t have to wait until you burn out. You don’t need to spend $10,000 or go back to school. You just need your nursing experience, curiosity, and the willingness to learn a new skillset.
“You can build a business that fits your life. I’m proof of that.” — Erin
Whether you’re exploring your first side hustle or looking to leave the bedside altogether, this career could be your next step toward more freedom and financial peace.
Want more ideas for non-bedside nursing careers?
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Let’s grow your career—together.
