CLNC® SUCCESS STORY 3 Successful CLNC®s Conquered Self-Doubt, Burnout and Fear of
Failure
EDITOR'S NOTE: Three CLNC®s share three different experiences of success, proving that every CLNC® has a unique way of achieving and enjoying success. What's your special way of experiencing success as a CLNC®?
Vickie's Encouraging Words Propelled Me Past Self-Doubt to CLNC® Success
by Kathy Silay, RN, CLNC
Self-doubt was my biggest obstacle to achieving my dream as a CLNC®. I kept Vickie's brochure on my desk for many years. Periodically, I would take it out and read it again and again. After daydreaming and envisioning what my life could be once I became a CLNC®, self-doubt would set in and I would question my dream. "Would an attorney actually think I could assist him? Where would I find an attorney who believes I could help?" At that time I thought attorneys were about the most intimidating breed of professional alive – ranking just above surgeons. I also wondered, "How would I obtain the money to pursue my dream?" I had two small children and worked two jobs. How could I justify the expense?
Then I received a brochure announcing that Vickie's CLNC® 6-Day Certification Seminar would be held in Chicago. I was FINALLY ready to enroll. The week of the seminar was one I will never forget. Again, I had many self-doubts. "Where will I find the time to start my business?" Little did I know, the business would present itself.
My husband and I were redoing our wills and met with our attorney to sign the long-overdue updated versions. Prior to our appointment, I kept encouraging my husband to bring some business cards and network with the attorney. Why didn't I consider the same option for myself? I actually ruled out the possibility because I thought this type of attorney couldn't use my CLNC® services. His clients were formulating their wills. How could I possibly assist him? Was I ever wrong.
During our meeting, I rehearsed my elevator speech and thought, "Should I? Shouldn't I? Yes! No! Yes!" Once our business was concluded, I asked the attorney if he might ever need the services of a CLNC®. I braced myself for rejection.
He immediately became flustered (I later learned he was actually excited), walked out and returned with a stack of records. Mentioning an upcoming deadline, he asked if I could help him.
Once the shock wore off, I calmly answered, "Would you like a verbal or written report?"
All through the first case I heard Vickie's words of encouragement in the back of my mind. When I turned my report over to him, he was really impressed. He asked if he could write a check right then and left the room.
The next thing I heard was a lot of banging and muttering. I thought to myself, "Where does he keep his checkbook?" In actuality, the banging and muttering was him trying to locate all the records for the next case he wanted me to work on.
Thank you, Vickie, and thank you to all the Institute's wonderful CLNC® Mentors.
With Vickie's "Nurses Can Do Anything" Philosophy, I Achieved My CLNC® Dream
by Dawn L. Bruni, RN, MNSc, APN, CLNC
I learned about Vickie Milazzo Institute and the CLNC® Certification Program from a nursing colleague. Desiring a career change after 26 years of clinical and educational nursing, I ordered the CLNC® Home-Study Certification Program, completed it in one month and passed the Certification Exam.
Motivated by Vickie's "We are nurses and nurses can do anything" philosophy and the inspiring CLNC® Success Stories, I set up my home office, established my fee schedule, built my website and was ready to start my career as a CLNC®. Initially unsure of my future success, I planned to continue my clinical work while I learned the CLNC® business.
I mailed out my first 20 promotional brochures, and three days later I received a call from a highly respected attorney who hired me. My attorney-client was pleased with my work and complimented me for doing a great job.
My biggest surprise came on a break during a deposition. The opposing counsel approached me to ask for my business card and to see if I would review a case for him.
Since then, I have received dozens of referrals from my attorney-clients. I am amazed how willing attorneys are to refer you to their colleagues when they are pleased with your work.
Thank you, Vickie, for giving me the knowledge, encouragement and confidence to achieve my dream of creating my own successful CLNC® business.
I Love Being in Control of My CLNC® Success Journey
by Leana Peterson-Leaf, RN, CLNC
After investigating several legal nurse consulting programs, I knew Vickie Milazzo Institute's program is based on sound, ethical business practices and is delivered with integrity. I had fortitude, persistence and faith in myself and in Vickie’s principles. How could I fail if I applied those principles?
I started as a part-time CLNC® working approximately 20 hours a week while maintaining my full-time home health position and raising four teenagers. I quickly learned I could not devote the attention my CLNC® practice required. Following up with contacts and implementing the many ideas rolling around in my head became difficult.
My husband, a businessman and most supportive partner, said, "Quit your job when you feel the time is right. I'm behind this all the way." That's all I needed to hear. Despite fearing loss of income, change in lifestyle and mostly failure, I stuck my neck out.
Just nine months later, I am making money, I feel successful and I love it. I am reaching out to attain goals and learning every day. Once again, I feel stimulated and enthusiastic about my future.
As I write my CLNC® Success Story, I'm sitting here in my bathrobe and slippers with my hair a mess. My kids are off to school and my dog is lying on the floor next to me. Around 9:00am the phone will start ringing, and I will be talking to clients who call me because they value my knowledge and expertise.
I am enjoying every step of this journey, both the challenges and the successes, because I am in control of my future. There are no failures in this business. If I don't get the new client, so what? I move on. There are lots of attorneys out there. Failures are merely learning experiences that lead to success.
My advice to aspiring CLNC®s: Stick your neck out and get busy failing – I mean, learning – so you too can succeed. Enjoy your journey to CLNC® success, because this journey truly has no end.
Dawn L. Bruni, RN, MNSc, APN, CLNC is president of ProMed Legal Consultants, LLC in Arkansas. She specializes as a consulting and testifying expert on emergency, trauma, cardiac and advanced practice issues.
Leana Peterson-Leaf, RN, CLNC established LPL Legal Nurse Consulting Services in Illinois in 2003. She is an independent CLNC® providing a broad range of services in medical malpractice, personal injury and nursing home negligence with a special interest in hemodialysis malpractice.
Kathy Silay, RN, CLNC established KAS Consulting in Illinois in 2002. She works as a consultant on all types of medical-related cases. Kathy has a wide range of nursing experience that began in 1984.
