Forensic Nursing (FN): Programs

Forensic Nurses deal with individuals who are victims of violent crimes such as sexual assault, battery, domestic violence, and child abuse. The following Article provides an overview of several Forensic Nursing programs.

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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

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
handyrn said:
I am very interested in pursuing a career in forensic nursing. there is no one like this in my area. I am especially interested in the sane programs. I am having trouble with the links provided. they don't take me to any certificate programs, only graduate degree information. can anyone help me with this? I am going to search the web but if anyone can recommend a good certificate program to get me started that would be great!

hello, handyrn,

If you clicked on the link on the previous page, it is for a graduate program. the first page of this thread lists links to certificate programs: 

 

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Specializes in er-psych.

Forensic nursing is not always like CSI or something you know, but still very rewarding. I worked in a state hospital on the forensic unit for a year. I went back to the ER to work to make more money, because the state pays so little here in Arkansas and obtain my MNSc with a psych specialty. I want to go back and make a bigger difference if possible and I would love to teach psych nursing to others with a passion or potential passion for the mentally ill, to include those with criminal convictions. On our unit we dealt with the courts and helping to make the decision on whether a patient was not gulity by reason of insanity (very, very, very rare) or able to stand trial and understand the court system. I met a lot of interesting patients there, and similar to ER the psychiatrists are a different type of doc's. In the ER and in psych I really think the nurses are more respected and there is a better working relationship with the doc's and nurses, more respect, and a hell of a lot more fun!:wink2:

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Specializes in er-psych.

I just finished a BSN after being an ADN RN for 7 years and am entering grad school this summer. I would not bother with the four year degree just to have it, but would really encourage the BSN. A four year degree in say psych or biology will not really help you with pay or advancement in nursing, unless you just want it. The BSN or further is really the way to go I think. I am convinced I am a better nurse because of it (the BSN), and it really wasn't that hard. The RN was the hardest thing to get. Who knows what grad school will be like, but I am really excited about nursing education. We have so many ways and directions that we can go. Nursing is a great field.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello and welcome to allnurses.com and the Forensic Nursing forum, queen nurse.

We are glad you joined. Good luck with grad school!!

We hope you enjoy the site.

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sirI,

What degree do you need to be in forensic's? I've got my Legal nurse Consultant diploma from Kaplan college but haven't been able to work in the field b/c of my location of living in small areas but do I need more than this? What's the best way to get started?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
moosemadness said:
sirI,

What degree do you need to be in forensic's? I've got my Legal nurse Consultant diploma from Kaplan college but haven't been able to work in the field b/c of my location of living in small areas but do I need more than this? What's the best way to get started?

Hello, moosemadness

You do not have to have a degree to work in forensic nursing although there are grad programs in forensic nursing.

One only need be LPN or RN with unencumbered and valid license. Most programs are RN only, however. And, some forensic programs include other healthcare providers.....

Check out this link permalink in this forum about different educative entites for the nurse.

As for your legal nursing, have you tried to market outside your immediate area? You don't have to market only locally. You can go outside your state. Check out this thread in the Legal Nursing forum: Legal Nurse Consulting and Marketing Ideas

If you have other questions/concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.

Good luck.

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sirI,

Thanks for the info. I haven't tried to market outside my area b/c I'm so new in it really. I don't have much experience and I just doubted anyone would hire me w/o several years experence. It's hard to find someone willing to give you the experience.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
moosemadness said:
sirI,

Thanks for the info. I haven't tried to market outside my area b/c I'm so new in it really. I don't have much experience and I just doubted anyone would hire me w/o several years experence. It's hard to find someone willing to give you the experience.

You have to start somewhere. Most who start in this career have no LNC experience. Besides, you already know SOC/SOP and how to apply to nursing/medicine. You have the nursing knowledge!!

I know it is hard to get started. Review your LNC materials and look at some of the threads here. Stay here (in the Legal Nursing forum) and get motivated again.

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Hi, for those of you interested in Forensic Nursing, see the June edtion of RN: Your career-your life. There is an article title: Forensic Nursing: Beyond the bedside. nanacarol

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SirI, does one need a masters degree to practice forensics? or can a ADN get certified and become a forensics nurse?

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I apologize for not being clear, I referred to the article because it did offer personal experience. nanacarol

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nanacarol said:
I apologize for not being clear, I referred to the article because it did offer personal experience. nanacarol

Thanks for sharing .... I really enjoyed the article.... a lot of other hospitals should do this!

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