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

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.

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 !