Forensic Nursing (FN)

The world of Forensic Nursing is still in its infancy. Wide-open opportunities are everywhere. Forensic Nurses play an integral role in law enforcement and medicine. This career utilizes all areas of nursing from being the support person for the newborn throughout the lifespan until death. The individual (victim) who has suffered from intentional or even non-intentional situations can benefit from the Forensic Nurse who is trained to handle almost any situation.

Nurses who have a love for the Law and are experienced in many areas of nursing should consider this type of career. Forensic Nurses are desperately needed to support and protect those who are unable to defend themselves. Most Boards of Nursing recognize this specialty and include education, continuing education, and certification/re-certification requirements.

One thing to remember is that the Forensic Nurse is a "support" person, not an advocate for the victim.

Roles of the Forensic Nurse (not all-inclusive)

• Crime Scene visits
• Evidence collection
• Photograph injuries
• Automobile and/or pedestrian accidents/collisions site visits
• Victim support
• Expert witness
• Medical-Legal Nurse Consultant (Legal Issues/Judicial Process)
• Perform physical examinations

A Few Forensic Nurse Fields of Interest

• Nurse Coroner
• Medical Examiner Nurse Investigator
• Death Scene Investigator
• Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
• Forensic Photographer

The most common Forensic Nurse is the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). The nurse cares for the victim of a sexual assault and/or abuse, documents for possible criminal cases, and collects forensic evidence. They may be called to testify at trial as an Expert Witness. Forensic Nurses must study and understand legal issues as well. Many Legal Nurse Consultants (LNC) cross-train as Forensic Nurses.

Where Can Forensic Nurses Work?

• Prisons/Jails
• Law Enforcement
• Hospital Emergency Departments
• Schools
• Attorney/Law firms
• Maternal-Child Health
• State/County Health Department (coroner)
• Community Services (Sexual Assault Response Teams)

The Focus of Study

• Perpetrator theory
• Victimology
• Criminology
• Forensic Law
• Preservation of evidence
• DNA lab interpretation
• Elder/Child Abuse

Education

Forensic Nurses must be graduates of an accredited nursing program (CCNE, ACEN, etc), successfully pass the NCLEX, and possess a current, unencumbered, nursing license in U.S. state of practice.

• Registered Nurse (RN) with an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), master's degree in nursing (MSN), or higher
• Advanced Practice Nurse (NP, CNS, etc.) with MSN and/or DNP/PhD in nursing
• Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)

Certification (not all-inclusive)

Although certification is usually not a requirement for employment, it is highly recommended. The SANE certification is the most popular certification.

International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)

The IAFN offers the following certifications:

• The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A®)
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric (SANE-P®)

SANE-A or SANE-P Eligibility (not all-inclusive)

• 2 or more years' practice as an RN
• Complete minimum 40-hr SANE didactic course by an accredited provider
• Complete SANE clinical preceptorship
• Accrue 300 hours of SANE-related practice within the past 3 years

For a comprehensive listing of FN programs and study content as well as a list of FN certifications, please refer to: Forensic Nursing (FN): Programs.

Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary in the U.S. is $65,047 and as high as $127,000. This will differ based on education, credentials, and city/state.

Currently, there are not enough Nurses specializing in Forensics to meet the demand in the U.S.

Resources

Forensic Nursing: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner – Part 1

Forensic Nursing: Role of the Forensic Nurse – Part 2

Forensic Nursing (FN): Programs