Any advice on what kind of background is needed to become a Forensic nurse? New grad

Specialties Forensic

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Specializes in acute care then Home health.

Hi, I am a new grad RN interested in eventually getting into forensic nursing. What kind of nursing background is useful when entering this field? I have a part-time job in psych and I am looking for another psych job. But maybe ER or Med/Surg might be a better way to go. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Hi, I am a new grad RN interested in eventually getting into forensic nursing. What kind of nursing background is useful when entering this field? I have a part-time job in psych and I am looking for another psych job. But maybe ER or Med/Surg might be a better way to go. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Hello, lsvalliant and Welcome to the Forensic Nursing forum

I always advise the ED if one is interested in entering forensics. I think psych jobs can also be a good place to gather some experience, but bear in mind this is not the "portal of entry", so to speak, when dealing with acute presentation regarding forensics.

Also, one can volunteer time with a coroner.

Several things to consider.......

Hopefully others will come along and offer input.

Good luck with your decisions.

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Specializes in acute care then Home health.

Thanks for your imput. I haven't even thought about volunteering for a coroner! Maybe I'll give it a shot while I'm waiting for my jobs to start. Hopefully others will post their imputs. I know this is a common question, and I will check out some of the older threads also. Thanks again!!

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Specializes in E.R., Sexual Assault, ICU, Med/Surg,.

Hi there,

I was a SANE nurse for 4 years. I would recommend that you find out where you can take the 40 hour sane/sart course in your area and start there. They usually require you to have a couple years of nursing experience (for assessment purposes) because you usually work alone on cases. It depends on who is hiring and what the needs and requirements of a sane/sart program in your area. I would also recommend that you look for a program and meet with the director. Most forensic nurses are sexual assault nurse examiners, unless your looking for death investigation in particular. If that is the case, they usually want a good amount of experience and usually with an ER background. I hope that helps you. Holla if you have any more questions. I have a degree in criminal justice as well.... so maybe I can help you out !

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