AALNC Annual Forum Inspires Career Pivot for LNC
By AALNC
For so many LNCs, AALNC's Annual Forum proves to be a turning point in their careers. This especially proved true for first time attendee Karenah Taylor, who took full advantage of the 2022 event. While only a part time LNC, Taylor has aspirations to transform her work into a full time vocation.
"My background as an LNC has been quite limited in that I've only had four or five cases," says Taylor. "I have my JD and decided to do a limited course offered by a local university. I generally got the cases by referral (one from LinkedIn, I believe). My last three cases have been as an expert. To date, I am making slow strides to become a full time LNC."
Taylor had encountered some challenges in her budding career that served as a catalyst to venture off on her own and become a full time LNC. After careful evaluation of her experiences, she came to a realization about her career goals.
"I was very frustrated with working at the bedside on my last local travel assignment," says Taylor. "The lack of teamwork, support by management, heavy workload, lack of compassion by many staff members and a culture riddled with many opportunities for negligence has been my motivation to work as a LNC for some time. Additionally, I decided, if I have to work as hard as I am for someone else, surely I can do this for myself."
AALNC's Annual Forum gave Taylor the confidence boost she needed to make the leap. The networking opportunities, as well as the robust education, made what seemed like a difficult decision that much clearer.
"At the conference, I realized it was possible to [transition to a full time, independent LNC]," says Taylor. "I also realized how important it is to surround yourself with others who aspire to do what you want. Networking is vital because your network can result in your net worth. I appreciated that the sessions made it possible for nurses to obtain continuing education hours."
As Taylor prepares for the next step in her LNC journey, she is laying the groundwork to start with a fresh slate.
"I want to start my LNC business this time from scratch as though I've never done it before," says Taylor. "Learn from some of the best out there and apply it to make it my own. We are different as LNCs and learning different ways to approach my practice, although overwhelming, I believe will be rewarding."
With new goals in mind, Taylor is poised to dive into the full time LNC world head first.
"I didn't realize that I would have fears starting from scratch as a "renewed" LNC," says Taylor. This time, I want a solid foundation and to take my time building it right. If it takes me a year or two I will be ok with that because this time it will be done right. I will be ok with that and so should you. Take advantage of the others before you."