How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse - Page 16

Hi, I also wanted to become a Forensic Nurse. I want to go to college though. What would I need to major in though. Would it be Forensic Science or some nursing degree. I'm soooooo confused! Any information will help! Thanks!

I am currently an RN working in the ER and I do SANE nursing on the side.

I had to take a 40 hour training class, as well as additional training with an experienced SANE. I had to go to the crime lab, as well as do an online Forensics course that my SANE supervisor provided for me.

I am required to be on call 72 hours out of the month. I have been called in for 3 cases so far.

I love being SANE, and I am looking to further my career in this field of nursing.

The best thing to do is become an ER nurse then go from there, although our program will take an ICU, L&D, or OB nurse as well.

I was looking more in the evidence collecting and dealing with the victim, being a ER Nurse what would I have to do?

You will have to start by taking a credited SANE course. See if your hospital has a program. If not, check other hospitals in the area.

The SANE training will teach you how to collect evidence (RAPE kit), how to document, how to prepare for trail, and how to tend to the victim. You will need additional training on how to do pelvic exams, and how to take the pictures of injuries genital and/or non genital. My program consisted of viewing the crime lab in my city and speaking with a forensic scientist. We also had to meet with the CSI force of the local police department to learn how to take photos properly.

When I am called in for a case, I will introduce myself to the pt, establish a rapport, and gain consent for the forensic exam. I also explain the option to report to the police or not. I also offer an advocate at the bedside for support if they want it. The forensic exam can be drulling and painful. You have to yank hairs out of the victim's head from the root for DNA. They need someone to hold their hand during the exam and I always offer the victim advocate.

Okay that sounds alot like I want to do. Did you go to college before that? What did you major in? And one more question, how do you get paid; do you get paid casely, or hourly?

I went to college and got an Associate's Degree before getting my BSN.

I get paid about 3.50/hr when I'm on call. If I am called in, I get paid $32.00/hr, plus a $100.00 call in stipend.

I just got called in for my fourth case about 3 days ago, and I was there for about 5 hours. It took 2 hours to just interview the victim.

SANE is something I do on the side, I am a part-time ER nurse.

How often to you get called in? Do you deal with crime scenes or just the hospital setting?

Lately, I have been getting called in often (when I am on call) because it is getting warm outside, and there have been a few drug facilitated sexual assaults (due to drugging a drink in a social setting).

I only deal with the hospital setting. I do my own pelvic exams, collect evidence, and order x-rays, CT's or meds.

I work in the ER, and I make sure the pt has been medically clear before I start my exam. If they are, the docs usually let me have at it, as some of them don't like to deal with the details regarding the assault.

Hi- I'm really new to this site and can not figure out where to post my question on how to become a forensic nurse. I found your comment here, and figured this was a good place to start.

I am a second year student at a ADN program and will receive my RN this May if all goes well. I have a previous degree in Criminal Justice at Champlain College in Vermont (bachelors) and am trying to find a NLNAC accredited program that will award me a degree in forensic nursing using past credit that I received at Champlain.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Hello there,

I'm asking you a question about the forensic nursing......

What is the difference between of a forensic nursing and a forensic nurse investigator?


Please get respond me as immediately, thank you.