So You Want to Be a Legal Nurse Consultant or an Expert Witness: Issues and Considerations

Expert witnesses affect the profession of nursing by supporting good nursing practice and helping to protect the health, safety, and well-being of patients. Legal nurse consultants and expert witnesses may also serve as advisors to legislative bodies that are deliberating on important health matters, regulations, and legislation. The same skills needed in the courtroom may also be used in legislative settings. To decide whether or not you are interested in serving as an expert witness, several issues need to be considered. This article summarizes critical considerations associated with being an expert witness or legal consultant.