[sirI]

Hello, marniecmLPN,

The world of forensic nursing is still in its infancy. Wide open opportunities everywhere. I think you can find something in just about any city and it doesn't have to be a major city either.

I wish you luck in your RN program and your future as a Forensic Nurse.

[ladybug06]

HI just wondering about forensic nursing jobs. I'm very interested in this, probably more in a role of reviewing the evidence, and cases. Not so much visiting the scene of the crime, where there a dead bodies. I have been looking online for forensic nursing jobs, and haven't seen any in MAssachusetts. I really want to pursue this, but If there are not many jobs out there, then...... I dodn't think I will. I've been a nurse for a year of a pedi surgical floor, and will be working in the OR for the next couple years, but I would like to start some classes soon.

Any info is helpful. Not sure if I'm just not searching in the right palces.


Thanks

[sirI]

Hello, ladybug06. I answered your post in the MA thread.

[cari4n6]

This is a re-post of a message I left in another section but it still applies:
I have been a forensic nurse examiner for 16 years and am a Board Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner since they gave the first exam in 2002. I have worked in 3 SANE programs and built another one from the ground up until I started my own sexual assault business in 2003. Many nurses are drawn to the specialty until their pager goes off at 0300 in the morning. It is a very demanding and fulfilling specialty but don't go into it if your idea is to 'help' victims or 'get the bad guy.' It is all about being objective and meticulously collecting evidence. Patient assessment is foremost and it takes a full time knowledge base for what is usually a part time job. Don't give up your regular job if you have to support yourself. We appear in court and must have excellent writing and verbal skills. You must have the stamina and endurance to do several exams in a row, which happens from time to time. Each exam takes between 2 and 3 hours for the patient and 3 to 5 hours for the nurse examiner.
I teach a sexual assault examiner course out of the University of California, Riverside, Extension. A few of my students are doing their internship with me.
A 'rape kit' is the equipment an assailant might bring to the scene to commit his crime. (although this type of assailant is rare) I use a sexual assault evidence collection kit (SAE kit). Most reported assaults are by people who know each other, use poor judgment while drinking, elevate their risk factor, etc. The real stranger assault is rare.
We work very independently so a good background and foundation in nursing; women's health, emergency department are very desirable.
If you are not influenced by the TV shows and you like hard work, are flexible and enjoy unpredictability, give it a try.
Cari

[donerebecca3]

This is the field I am most interested in also. Unfortunately I have a long way to go...good luck to all of you!

[care4ppl]

Are there programs for this online or do you have to actually attend a school in person. Forensics has always interested me but never thought about going to school for it. Any information you might have would be appreciated.

[donerebecca3]

Kaplan University has an online program to get your certification. I'm sure there are plenty more.

[sirI]

Actually, Kaplan's program will issue you a certificate, not a certification.

[donerebecca3]

Thanks for the clarification.

[sangreal]

i believe corrections nursing is considered forensic nursing also..