A nurse attorney is an individual whose career combines both nursing and legal education. The dual degree professional is well equipped to deal with the complexities, which arise when law and health care issues become intertwined.

Preparation

A nurse attorney has two degrees:

• A nursing degree, which is acquired by completing the coursework for an associate, diploma, or baccalaureate nursing program.  Following completion of the nursing program, the individual is required to pass a state licensing exam in order to become a Registered Nurse in that state.

• A law degree, known as a Juris Doctorate.  The Juris Doctorate is obtained by successfully completing a three-year law school or its four-year part-time equivalent.  The graduate then must pass the state bar licensing exam and be inducted into the state bar.

Opportunity for Employment

Nurse attorneys practice in law firms or in solo practice where they might specialize in personal injury, medical malpractice, or even in more general areas, such as criminal or civil law.  They can take positions as hospital counsel or administrators, work with insurance companies, or hold positions in the educational field.  Some work as consultants or expert witnesses in medical-legal cases.  Some seek careers as lobbyists for medical or nursing associations, or for corporations in the health care field.  Others are authors, editors of or contributors to nursing and legal books and journals.  Still others work in governmental positions, administering and implementing health care programs.  These are just a few of the nurse attorney's career possibilities. 

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys
7794 Grow Drive
Pensacola, FL  32514
Phone: 877-538-2262
Fax: 850-484-8762
Email: taana@puetzamc.com