Forensic Nursing (FN): Programs

[sirI]

There are educational programs that prepare the Registered Nurse (RN) as a forensic specialist. There are programs for the Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) as well as post-master's for other Advanced Practice Nurses (APN). And, there are programs for the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) and paramedic. The APN and eligible RN can sit for Forensic nursing certification examinations.

While most educative programs vary regarding eligibility, most will require the RN to receive an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) education, successfully pass the NCLEX-RN, and possess a current, unencumbered RN license in the U.S. state of practice.

When considering a Forensic Nursing program one should note if they adhere to standards set forth by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Note if they are approved/accredited by the individual Boards of Nursing (BON) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Also, Forensic Nursing post-graduate programs should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The following are a few Forensic nursing educational programs and Forensic nursing certification examination entities (not all-inclusive).

University of California, Riverside

1 - The Professional Certificate in Forensic Nursing is an online certificate program for the LPN/LVN, RN, SANE-certified Nurse, and Nurse Practitioner (NP).

Program Topics (not all-inclusive)

• collection/preservation of evidence
• sexual assault examinations
• social/political implications
• chain-of-custody
• documentation
• photography
• court testimony preparation

2 - Those interested in death investigation will be interested in the Professional Certificate in Nurse Death Investigation. It is an online certificate program for the LPN/LVN and RN.

Program Contents (not all-inclusive)

• roles/responsibilities nurse death investigator
• collecting evidence
• preserving evidence
• confirming decedent's identity

Fitchburg State University

The Nursing (Forensic Nursing) Graduate Certificate is a forensic certificate program offered 100% online*.  This program is offered to the Master's-prepared Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) who has graduated from an accredited APN program and possesses a current, unencumbered APN license in his/her U.S. state of practice. (see website for complete eligibility information).

Program Contents (not all-inclusive)

• criminal law
• forensic science
• care of perpetrators
• practicum
• scientific investigation
• legal proceedings

*Note: Some courses have a clinical component.

SANE-SART Resource Service (SSRS)

The courses are offered online and interactive on-site for the RN and APN. Simulations are complemented by (hosted) webinars.

RNs and APNs are eligible to take the following Adult/Adolescent SANE / SAFE / SAMFE courses.

• Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
• Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE)
• Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiner (SAMFE)
• Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)

Program Contents (not all-inclusive)

• perform sexual assault medical-forensic exams
• investigate sexual assault cases
• act as an expert witness in a sexual assault trial
• identify, collect and preserve evidence

Duquesne University Forensic Nursing Certificate for Advanced Practice

The Online MSN in Forensic Nursing is 100% online.

Program Topics (not all-inclusive)

• broad-based forensic curriculum
• preparation for an advanced practice forensic role
• ethics
• criminal law
• preserve chain-of-evidence
• health care policy
• prepare for SANE certification

This certificate provides a prep course that includes the 40-hour training necessary to sit for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner certification exam.

Monmouth University

1 - Master of Science in Nursing: Forensic Nursing

This is a 100% online course. (view admission requirements)

Program Topics (not all-inclusive)

• child/elder abuse
• death investigation
• sexual assault examination
• domestic violence

2 - Forensic Nursing Graduate Certificate

Eligibility (not all-inclusive)

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); minimum 2.75 GPA
• Current New Jersey RN license
• One year RN experience
• Proof of a current $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 liability and malpractice policy

St. Louis University

The Medicolegal Death Investigators Training is a yearly, four- or five-day course for Nurses as well as other healthcare/legal/law personnel. 

Key Components (not all-inclusive)

• document decedent profile
• scene walk-through
• photography
• chain-of-custody
• witness interview
• body examination

Pennsylvania State University

The Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing Forensics is a 12-credit program of study, which may be earned as part of the RN to BSN program or as a stand-alone certificate for the RN who holds a current, unencumbered RN license in their U.S. state of practice.

Program Topics (not all-inclusive)

• evidence collection
• preservation of evidence
• documentation
• domestic violence
• assault
• stalking
• legal issues
• ethical issues

Texas A&M University

The Master of Science in Nursing-Forensic Nursing track is a 36-semester credit hour curriculum for the BSN-educated and licensed RN. The program is approved for delivery via asynchronous distance education technology with some required visits to Bryan, TX.

Program Courses (not all-inclusive)

• Forensic Sexual Assault Examiner Course
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Human Trafficking
• Forensic Photography

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)(Forensic Nursing Certification)

The Advanced Forensic Nursing Certification (AFN-BC) certification and credentials are available for renewal only. (see re-certification renewal requirements)

International Association of Forensic Nurses (Forensic Nursing Certification)

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric/Adolescent (SANE-A® or SANE-P®) certification examinations are offered twice a year in April and September.  Registered Nurses (RN) are eligible. These certifications are recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

SANE-A®Eligibility (not all-inclusive)

• Graduate from accredited Registered Nursing (RN) program
• Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN
• Current, unencumbered RN license in U.S. state of practice
• Minimum 2 years RN experience
• Completed accredited adult/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours CE contact hours OR
• Completed accredited adult/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours of academic coursework OR
• Completed combined, accredited adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours of CE/contacts hours OR
• Completed accredited adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours academic coursework AND
• Completed sexual assault nurse examiner clinical preceptorship AND
• Practiced as a sexual assault nurse examiner; minimum 300 hours within past 3 years

SANE-P® Eligibility (not all-inclusive)

• Graduate from accredited Registered Nursing (RN) program
• Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN
• Current, unencumbered RN license in U.S. state of practice
• Minimum 3 years RN experience
• Completed accredited pediatric/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours CE/contact hours OR
• Completed accredited pediatric/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours academic coursework OR
• Completed combined adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours CE/contacts hours OR
• Completed combined adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours academic coursework AND
• Completed sexual assault nurse examiner clinical preceptorship AND
• Practiced as sexual assault nurse examiner; minimum 300 hours within past 3 years

Resources

Forensic Nursing (FN)

Forensic Nursing: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner – Part 1

Forensic Nursing: Role of the Forensic Nurse – Part 2

[jpainter0013]

I am currently in LPN school and was interested in this area also. My question was will I have to go on and get my RN? I was already planning on doing that anyway, but if I could do this without that I might consider that also. I had wanted in the past to go to school to be an ME, but then I had kids and ya, know plans change :) I am very interested in this area and finding out where I would go to school for this. I live in a "smaller" town, close to Louisville, KY though so I don't know what I could do here locally, but I could possibly drive to Louisville to work if I needed too. Any info will be helpful. I have read lots on here and it has been great. Just curious. Would also like to know the best/fastest way to complete something like this. Thanks!

[jeseades]

Hello all,

I have a situation very similar to jpainter0013. I began school with the intention of following through getting my MD and becoming an ME, but life happened. I have always been interested in forensics and the role that one can play in finding out what happened, the "why" whether suspicious or not. I am hoping as a Nurse I will still be able to follow this dream in some way. I got so excited when I discovered Forensic Nursing. There seems to be a lot of information out there as to how to go about becoming a forensic nurse. It is very confusing. I am currently working on getting my ASN. The college I am at also offers some Forensics Investigation Certification classes that I plan to take once I finish my ASN and take the NCLEX-RN. Do I need a BSN? How much and what kind of experience will I need to be able to get employment as a Forensic Nurse? My dream job would be working in a ME or Coroners office as a tech. or assistant. Any information that can be given would be great.

[sacline]

SirI,

I am 23 years old, living in the Los Angeles area as an RN-BSN. I did a little over a year of med surg nursing, and have currently been working at a pediatric hospital on the cardio ICU unit for about 4 months. I am extremely interested in forensic nursing and was hoping you could give me some advice on how to become a forensic nurse and what specific steps I need to take. Thank you!

sacline

[showe2]

I worked in the forensic unit at the state hospital. Loved it. Very very interesting unit. I would love to stay in psych nursing, but moved out of state. Pay was a lot lower.

[elizbo]

If I had a forensics degree, can i go on to become a forensic nurse??? What do I do??

[Takashi]

Hi, this is for 'cari4n6'.

I am currently an LPN Student @ Arkansas State MH and am trying to find out more information on Forensic Nursing.

My Career Goals Thus Far have been to finish my LPN, take Criminology Courses and Child Growth & Development Courses, then get my RN and work towards being a Pediatric Forensic Nurse. Yet, recently after considerable talking with businesses, and police depts in my area, i have yet to find anyone who would even hire one. other than the county coroner, and i want to help the victims before they become... well.. dead victims. im simply hoping you can help me figure things out. or if anything, point me in the right direction.

any assistance would be quite appreciated.

[EsMo18]

Horrible if you're in Tucson. Been wanting to do Forensic Nursing for many years but there are no jobs here.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

EsMo18 said:

Horrible if you're in Tucson. Been wanting to do Forensic Nursing for many years but there are no jobs here.

Are you educated as a Forensic Nurse, EsM18?

Have you tried presenting the need for a nurse (SANE/SAFE specialist especially) to the hospital where you are employed? How about some of the law enforcement agencies? The need is there. You should write up a presentation about the need for this specialty area in your city. You never know who will support your idea. Especially if you present this to some of the clubs/organizations in your city. A support person is desperately needed in this area.

Please read the new Article I just wrote on Forensic Nursing. You might be able to utilize some of what I reviewed in this Article to help your city understand the importance of Forensics.

 

And, I hope you can get others to listen to just how important these nurses are needed.

[margaux_fbi]

cari4n6 said:

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

I have been so pumped with getting a degree in Forensic Nursing (is the term degree right?) until I read this comment. I have been planning on becoming a Forensic Nurse so that eventually, given the time and experience, I would be able to establish this rare specialty in our country. But now,...hmmm, oh well, I still want to be one! ?

[jenjenfuturern]

Hi everyone. I am currently a 3rd semester nursing student in an ADN program in California. Nursing was a career change for me as I already have my Bachelor's degree in Politics and was a victim advocate for almost 10 years. I have testified in court numerous times and also supported the victim during their SA exams. Another part of my old career was being on call and working nights and holidays. We were also dispatched out to calls by various law enforcement agencies. So, given my past it would make sense to become a SART nurse. My question is do I get certified first before applying for this position or do I apply and then get certified? It seems like a perfect blend of my two interests.

[slimz101]

I'm a Graduate nurse in the Caribbean about to become a RN and I'm really interested in this speciality but I have no clue if there are any forensic nurse in Caribbean.

[nellynel07]

Although, I'm still taking my pre-reqs for nursing I can't wait to advance into forensic nursing. I was originally working on my degree in forensic technology at my local cc but my guidance counselor suggested I apply and complete rn first then circle back. Since there are so many certificates in forensic nursing should I even complete the AS in forensic technology? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. :)