Nurse Life Care Planner - The Best Job Youve Never Heard Of

Life changing events can happen in an instant. A swimmer dives into a river and breaks his neck, a child out for a bike ride is hit by a car and ends up with a spinal cord injury, a worker at a plant suffers traumatic amputation, and so forth. Catastrophic injury, disability, and chronic illness affect millions of people every year, and as a registered nurse or qualified rehabilitation professional you are uniquely well suited to making a real difference in the lives of these individuals by putting your knowledge and skill to use in the fast growing and lucrative field of Life Care Planning.

What is Life Care Planning?

The emerging field of Life Care Planning is a specialized subset of case management that deals with acquired birth injury, catastrophic injury, personal injury, and chronic illness. Nurse Life Care Planners can diversify and enhance their career opportunities through using the nursing process to evaluate current needs, and project future needs of individuals with chronic illness or catastrophic injuries in order to ensure optimum quality of care and life.

Life Care Planning is a systematic method of identifying and quantifying the multidimensional disability related needs of an individual. The Life Care Plan is a document summarizes the required treatment over the life of the expected patient, including surgeries, therapy, medicine, assistive devices, home modifications, and other care issues, and the estimated cost. Projecting the future medical and non-medical needs of an individual helps ensure funds will be available to provide for their care, and also serves as the basis of structured settlements that provide for payments over time to cover medical costs.

Demand for Nurse Life Care Planners far Exceeds Supply

Although Certified Nurse Life Care Planners can charge between $80 - $150 an hour^[2] for their services, demand far exceeds supply, as it is estimated that there are only 560 certified life care planners nationwide at this time. Life Care Planning provides nurses with the opportunity for pursue career opportunities as consultants or expert witness for attorneys, insurance companies, managed care organizations, employers, government agencies, HMOs, or as independent practitioners.

Nurses Uniquely Well Qualified To Be Life Care Planners

"Although not all life care planners are nurses, as RNs, we are uniquely qualified to succeed in this field. We are taught in nursing school the value of seeing the whole person, and the complete picture of their life - the psychosocial aspects as well as the physical. We are also taught to anticipate the needs of patients and to teach them and their families about their illness and care."^[1]

Nurses possess the medical knowledge, clincal assessment skills, multidisciplinary communication background, and experience, to evaluate and understand the needs of the disabled or chronically ill as well as anticipate future needs. Nurse Life Care Planners employ the nursing process as the foundation of life care planning, reviewing medical records, assessing the patient, collaborating with family members, providers, medical equipment suppliers, economists, financial planners, and lawyers, in order to establish the patient`s current health status, identify future outcomes, and create an individualized life care plan that addresses future medical, psychosocial, and financial needs.

To project future medical needs and costs, the Nurse life care planner considers the age and general health of the individual, the life expectancy, how the normal aging process affects this disability and identifies health risks that could have an impact on the patient`s future needs. The life care plan has to involve all aspects of a patient`s life, vocational, financial, medical, social, psychological, and rehabilitation needs.

Nurse Life Care Planners have to anticipate future needs for therapy, medical equipment, medical follow-ups, medication, assistive devices, home modifications, and well as transportation. In cases that involve litigation, both the plaintiff and the defense may hire life-care planners to determine the scope and cost of future medical needs. With a life-care plan, an individual`s long-term medical needs are anticipated and provided for, including proactive treatment and preventive care to help achieve optimal health and well being.

A Life Care Plan may be developed for a variety of conditions including:

• Catastrophic injury
• Spinal Cord injury
• Burns and Amputations
• Birth injuries including Cerebral Palsy
• Traumatic Brain injury
• Chronic Pain
• Pediatric and Elderly Individuals in Need of Care Management

Earn a Life Care Planning Certificate -Online

Certification demonstrates that the Life Care Planner possesses the education, skills and experience required to render appropriate services based on sound principles of practice. Kaplan University offers an online Life Care Planning Certificate program that can be completed in twelve months or less. This program is designed for registered nurses and other health and human services professionals, specifically: occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, case managers, social workers, psychologists, medical doctors, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, special education professionals, licensed speech pathologists, and professional counselors Courses Include:

• Introduction to Life Care Planning
• Standards and Ethics for Life Care Planning
• Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disability I: Spinal Cord Injuries, Amputations, and Burns
• Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disability II: Brain Injury and CVA/Stroke
• Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disability III: Selected Conditions
• Research Literature, Practice Guidelines, and Internet Resources
• Life Care Planning in Pediatric and Elder Care Management
• Special Needs Trusts and Medicare Set-Asides

Kaplan University is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, an accreditation commission formally recognized by the United States Department of Education, and Kaplan University offers a number of financial aid opportunities including grants, loans, and scholarships for students, and qualifies for most employer tuition reimbursement programs. Learn More »

Become A Nurse Life Care Planner Online

Life Care Planning Program Life Care Planning Case Management Nursing Forensic Nursing Certificate Legal Nurse Consulting Geriatric Care Management RN to BS in Nursing Completion

Top Nursing Schools College Network Indiana State University University of Phoenix Walden University South University

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN

Kaplan University

Campus

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:

• MS in Nursing
• RN to MS in Nursing
• RN to BS in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

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Campus Locations:

Bakersfield
Costa Mesa
Fresno
Elk Grove
Rancho Cordova
Los Angeles
Online
Sacramento
Lathrop
Lancaster
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Pasadena
Livermore
Fairfield
San Jose
Gardena
Oakland
Murrieta
San Francisco
Salida
Diamond Bar
Roseville
Ontario
Palm Desert

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

San Diego
Vista
Chula Vista
Riverside
Stockton
Bakersfield

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Ontario
Los Angeles

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration

Campus Locations:

San Diego
San Marcos
National City

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Campus Locations:

Addison

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Registered Nursing
• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

San Jose
Sacramento
San Leandro
Antioch
Stockton
Citrus Heights
Emeryville
Pomona
Pleasant Hill

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Gardena
South Gate
Los Angeles
San Bernardino

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Medical Assisting Associate

Campus Locations:

Santa Maria
Rancho Mirage
Ventura
Santa Barbara

Concorde

Campus

We believe hands-on experience is the best way to learn. And at Concorde, you’ll find that a “learn by doing” approach to healthcare training will get you the skills you need to succeed-- and get you into the workforce quickly.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nurse
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

San Diego
San Bernardino
Garden Grove
North Hollywood

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Fairfield
Orange
West Covina
Elk Grove
Carson

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
• Professional Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Redding
Modesto
Citrus Heights
Clovis
Stockton

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Medical Assistant - Administrative & Clinical

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

Keiser University Graduate School

Campus

Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS (Online)
• Health Services Management, Graduate Business Certificate

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Western Governors University

Campus

At Western Governors University, your competence - the knowledge and skills you possess - is the ultimate focus of every degree program.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing
• M.S. in Nursing - Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option)
• M.S. in Nursing - Education (RN to MSN Option)

Campus Locations:

San Francisco

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• MSN in Executive Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Medical Office Assistant

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles

Allied Health Institute

Online

Allied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical Office Assistant

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Medical General
• Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles
Reseda
Ontario
Gardena
Hayward
Anaheim
LA Puente
San Francisco
Torrance
Santa Ana
San Bernardino
Alhambra
San Jose

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science
• Medical Administrative Specialist

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Riverside
Alhambra

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Salida
Rancho Cordova
Concord
Roseville
Hayward
San Francisco
Fresno
Milpitas
Stockton
Salinas

UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Stockton
Gardena
Fresno
Bakersfield
Riverside

Empire College

Campus

Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Santa Rosa

Milan Institute

Campus

Successful careers begin at the Milan Institute. We offer quality hands-on training, experienced faculty and a staff committed to helping you realize your goals.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Administrative Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Visalia
Bakersfield
Clovis
Indio

Newbridge College

Campus

Start your career with an education from Newbridge College. We provide high-quality, career-specific training in the health care field with an emphasis on the practical skills required by today's employers.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical General

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

Mayfield College

Campus

Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Cathedral City

South University Online

Campus

Designed with the needs of working adult students in mind, South University, Online Programs is built on the same curriculum offered at South University's campus locations. As a student at South University, Online Programs you will receive the same degree, quality instruction, variety of learning options and level of service found at the campus locations.

Programs:

• Nursing Specialization in Nursing Informatics (RN-MSN)
• Nursing Specialization in Nursing Informatics (MSN)
• Nursing (BSN)

Campus Locations:

Savannah