I belatedly decided to do some research on what to look for in a LNC when looking for subcontracting work. Interestingly I found quite a few links regarding what a LNC should look for in finding nurses to use as subcontractors, but I found nothing on the characteristics of an LNC one would want to subcontract under. I have found out that the parts of this equation are equally important.
The person subcontracting should have some experience, make sure that they understand what the nurse they are working under wants in each specific case, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively.
But what about the characteristics of the Legal Nurse Consultant that is hiring subcontractors. I have found that vetting the person you may work under is a good idea. And if you find that they have personal characteristics that raise a red flag then you will probably have a problem with their work ethic also.
Before jumping into a situation ask around and talk to others that may have worked for this person. Never go into a work relationship with somebody blindly!!

Important points to research:

• Do they communicate effectively with people that have worked for them?
• Do they communicate effectively what they want in their work product?
• Are they someone that always finds a case in anything that is reviewed (steer clear of these people)?
• Communications avenues are important. Do they insist on always communicating via texting? Miscommunication easily occurs in this situation. It raises a red flag with me if the Legal Nurse Consultant is not willing to pick up the phone and speak with me directly.
• Does the Legal Nurse Consultant keep their relationships with their subcontractors on a professional, working level?
• Have they been viewed in a professional arena? If so, is this someone with which you would want yourself associated? Do they behave professionally or are they crude and unprofessional. These are people of which to steer clear.
• Are the boastful, telling others how great they are; that they are the best? Usually these Legal Nurses either have an inferiority complex that gets in the way of working relationships with others, or they have an inflated opinion of their importance in the field which also gets in the way of working relationships. On the other hand, if they are exceptional at what they do and go about doing it in an off-hand manner, this would be the person to choose.
• Do they pay their subcontractors in a timely manner? Have people that worked for them in the past had to wait months to be paid, had checks bounce, and ultimately do they have a track record for not paying LNC’s for work that was done? I think that one would obviously steer clear of the person who takes months to pay or does not even pay for work done.