How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

**sirI** · Oct 01, 2006, 02:09 PM

Re: How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

Good question, 'M3.

The study of forensic anthropology, simply explained, is studying remains (specifically bones) to determine not only manner of death, but apply to mass causualties such as war, famine, and/or other disasters.

Forensic science, again, simple explanation, is the gathering of evidence after a crime (civil or criminal) and applying its relevance to legalities, or the law.

**NRSKarenRN** · Nov 09, 2006, 08:39 AM

Re: How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

In Jan 2005, NJ BON has even included detailed language regarding this specialty into regulatory changes:

Subchapter 9 deals with the sexual assault nurse examiner program. Throughout this subchapter, the Board proposes to change the term "sexual assault nurse examiner" to "forensic nurse-certified sexual assault" and the term "SANE" to "FN-CSA." The Board proposes to make this change to differentiate between individuals certified by the Board and those who hold national certification. The Board believes it is necessary to create such a differentiation because the national certification does not provide New Jersey specific information on laws and procedures that are necessary to effectively provide sexual assault forensic examinations in New Jersey or to act as an expert witness in a New Jersey court. N.J.A.C. 13:37-9.1 sets forth the purpose and scope of the subchapter and N.J.A.C. 13:37 9.2 defines the terms used in the subchapter.

N.J.A.C. 13:37-9.3 sets forth eligibility and application requirements for certification. An applicant must be licensed as a registered professional nurse, have worked full time for at least two years as a registered professional nurse and have completed an FN-CSA education course and clinical requirements. An applicant who attended an FN-CSA education course prior to July 13, 2004 shall be eligible for certification as long as the applicant can show that the course would have met the requirements of N.J.A.C. 13:37-9.5. The Board and the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice will review applications to ensure that an applicant qualifies for certification. N.J.A.C. 13:37-9.4 prohibits any FN-CSA from performing sexual assault forensic examinations on a child.

N.J.A.C. 13:37-9.5 sets forth standards for FN-CSA education programs. Individuals, agencies or institutions which wish to present an FN-CSA course must submit an application to the Board. The Board and the Director will review the application and, if both approve the course, the Board will send a letter indicating such approval to the individual, agency or institution presenting the course. A course in clinical forensics is required to consist of at least 40 hours of didactic instruction, these 40 hours must be allocated between 32 topics which are outlined in the rule. The course must be taught by an instructor who either has a masters degree in nursing or who is an FN-CSA. Every program must have an administrator who has a masters degree in nursing.
http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/proposal/nurpro118.htm

Final adoption August 05: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Rule Adoption

kerslo · Jan 16, 2007, 12:25 PM

Re: How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

Hello siri,

I have a question I was almost finished with a bachelor in Social Science but headed for nursing instead. I am very interested in Forensic Nursing and that is reason why i switched careers. But there are no generic entry into the nursing field here in this border town with Mexico in Texas so I had to go back and start from scratch (Del Rio). I have just started my second semester for LVN/LPN and have applied for RN starting next fall. Am I going in the right direction? Should I finish my bachelor? I just needed 13 classes to finish the bachelor degree. Please advise.

**sirI** · Jan 16, 2007, 01:25 PM

Re: How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

Originally Posted by kerslo

Hello siri,

I have a question I was almost finished with a bachelor in Social Science but headed for nursing instead. I am very interested in Forensic Nursing and that is reason why i switched careers. But there are no generic entry into the nursing field here in this border town with Mexico in Texas so I had to go back and start from scratch (Del Rio). I have just started my second semester for LVN/LPN and have applied for RN starting next fall. Am I going in the right direction? Should I finish my bachelor? I just needed 13 classes to finish the bachelor degree. Please advise.

Hello, kerslo,

What do you mean, "no generic entry into the nursing field"? Are you referring to forensics?

Depends if you want/desire the BSN. Many forensic nurses are RNs with other education (ADN, Diploma). And, some programs will offer a certificate to the LPN who wishes to specialize in forensics. There are post-BSN certificate programs.

There are post grad Forensic programs, too. I know of a Clinical Nurse Specialist Forensic program (MSN - APN specialty in forensics).

But, to answer your question, yes, you are going in the right direction. IMHO? I advise you to finish the BSN and specialize in forensics and seek certification as Forensic nurse or go on and seek post-grad certficate.

http://www.extension.ucr.edu/certifi...sic-nurse.html

http://www.amrn.com/

http://www.forensicnurse.org/

http://www.allnursingschools.com/fea...o_ans_ctn_0006

Good luck with the remainder of your program and your career aspirations!!!! Hope I've helped. If you have other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me and/or post here.

gagandeep · Jan 17, 2007, 05:33 PM

Re: How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

hello
i am wondering about the job scope, future demand and salaries for a forensic nurse.

**sirI** · Jan 17, 2007, 06:16 PM

Re: How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

Originally Posted by gagandeep

hello
i am wondering about the job scope, future demand and salaries for a forensic nurse.

Hello, gagandeep,

Here is a link to the publication availability from the ANA regarding Scope of Practice for Forensic Nursing:

http://www.nursingworld.org/ajn/1998/feb/anarsrc.htm

It is impossible to list salary range(s) here for it's area dependent.

Future demand? A good article here:

http://www.forensicnursemag.com/articles/3b1cover.html

Forensic nursing is still in its infancy and we have no where to go but forward. Unfortunately, violent crimes are always going to be here and forensic nurses will be in demand. Job opportunities are opening up everywhere as we receive more exposure.

L&DRN08 · Jan 26, 2007, 11:54 PM

Re: How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

I am currently in my 3rd semester of Nursing School! I've been doing a lot of researching to explore what my options are once I am an RN. I am VERY interested in learning more about becoming a SANE. I visited the IAFN, SANE websites and didn't really find the answers I am looking for....hope someone can help me out.
Can you become a SANE with an AAS degree?
Once you've completed a SANE program, is it a certification test, or a state board exam? Is the exam given immediately following training or do you complete training, study awhile & then test? Is clinical/hands-on experience part of the program or do you have to do that on your own?
I think I read that you are only eligible to enroll in a SANE program after having 2 yrs experience as an RN....is this standard? Or could I move on to this earlier in my career......once I pass my boards of course!
Also, to those of you who are already SANE's....do you have any insight as to anything I could do, learn, etc. etc. that would help me in working toward this?
Thanks in advance for any info!

gagandeep · Jan 28, 2007, 05:29 PM

Re: How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

Hello Siri
thankyou for sending me such a valuable information.

**sirI** · Jan 28, 2007, 05:37 PM

Re: How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

You are quite welcome, gagandeep.

**sirI** · Jan 30, 2007, 12:40 PM

Re: How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

Originally Posted by TaraRN07

I am currently in my 3rd semester of Nursing School! I've been doing a lot of researching to explore what my options are once I am an RN. I am VERY interested in learning more about becoming a SANE. I visited the IAFN, SANE websites and didn't really find the answers I am looking for....hope someone can help me out.
Can you become a SANE with an AAS degree?
Once you've completed a SANE program, is it a certification test, or a state board exam? Is the exam given immediately following training or do you complete training, study awhile & then test? Is clinical/hands-on experience part of the program or do you have to do that on your own?
I think I read that you are only eligible to enroll in a SANE program after having 2 yrs experience as an RN....is this standard? Or could I move on to this earlier in my career......once I pass my boards of course!
Also, to those of you who are already SANE's....do you have any insight as to anything I could do, learn, etc. etc. that would help me in working toward this?
Thanks in advance for any info!

Hello, TaraRN07

Yes, one can be educated and receive certificate of completion of SANE with Associates degree. Once educated, one then can seek certification as SANE-A/SART.

http://www.sane-sart.com/

Normally, study after receiving your certificate and certification follows the education. As for when to seek education, I always advise experience first - at least 2-3 years nursing experience; in the ED if at all possible.

Good luck with your career aspirations. And, good luck with the remainder of your nursing program.

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How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

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