ABSTRACT
Introduction .................................................................................................. 221 Change Theory and Career Transition........................................................ 222 Motivation to Change .................................................................................. 223 Barriers to Change........................................................................................ 224 Fear of Failure ............................................................................................... 228
Be Clear on the Goals.......................................................................... 230 Set Realistic Expectations.................................................................... 230 Be Aware of Human Nature................................................................ 230 Examine Assumptions ......................................................................... 231 Bring Fears Out into the Open........................................................... 231
Planning the Transition to Independent Practice ...................................... 231 Change and the Established Business Owner............................................. 235 Conclusion..................................................................................................... 238 References ...................................................................................................... 238
Sometimes nurses wonder, “Why am I staying in my job?” “When should I change jobs?” “Is this really the right time to do something new?” These are common questions asked when one is in the career doldrums; yet it is very difficult for individuals to change careers. This is particularly true for nurses who have put a great deal of personal effort into meeting educational and psychological demands of the nursing profession. The successful transition from clinical nurse to legal nurse consultant (LNC) requires learning a variety
of new skills, attitudes, and behaviors. To prepare for the role transition to LNC, nurses must develop an understanding of change theory and how this conceptual framework applies to the practice of legal nurse consulting. Nurses who understand change theory are in a better position to anticipate, direct, and manage change in pursuit of their professional goals as LNCs.
