Forensic Nursing (FN)

The following Article will introduce you to the world of Forensic Nursing, explain the importance of the career and hopefully challenge other Nurses to consider taking on the challenge that could make a difference in the lives of those who need their expertise in Forensics.

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This article was reviewed and fact-checked by our Editorial Team.
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

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.

Choosing a Specialty but not sure which one is best for you?
Download Nursing Specialties Guide!

Resources

Forensic Nursing: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner – Part 1

Forensic Nursing: Role of the Forensic Nurse – Part 2

Forensic Nursing (FN): Programs

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sirI

About sirI, MSN, APRN, NP

(Editorial Team / Admin)

sirI is an OB-GYN NP-BC, (Emeritus), FNP-BC, and Legal Nurse Consultant. Specialty areas include OB-GYN, trauma, med-legal consulting, forensics, and education.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Do you know much about the post-Masters at Duquesne? I am considering something like that, Forensic Nursing has always interested me. Great article, thank you, Siri! :)

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Thank you for a great article! Very interested in this field. There are SAFE departments at a couple of hospitals here in the Baltimore area, but I am a little surprised they aren't more prevalent. Looking forward to learning more about this amazing specialty.:geek:

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

And people laughed at me when I said the most stable pts are the dead ones so forensic nursing would be for them. I think it sounds very interesting.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

I am so intrigued by this field - the only this holding me back is the moolah to get the schooling :(

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

Flare,

I will be writing future Articles on different Forensic Nursing Education. Some offer certificates and others brief education w/o certification.

Stay tuned for I think I can help you make some wise decisions.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

That's terrific! I look forward to reading them!!

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Very interesting, I always thought I would enjoy doing something like this, but had really didn't know the role a nurse could play. Thank you for opening my eyes :).

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Specializes in Emergency, LTC.

One of my reasons for going into nursing school was to become a Forensics Nurse. I'm surprised a user mentioned places in Baltimore. It makes sense but I'm still a little cloudy about the opportunities available in my area. I've read about forensic nurses with just an ADN (of course, they have years of experience under their belt) but I'm interested in learning more about this growing field. Keep us in the look SirI!

-Scarlett

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

The more information I receive, I'll pass along, PocketSize. Please bear in mind you do not have to have a BSN or post-grad degree in order to practice Forensic Nursing.

I'm beginning to get some information about the role of Death Investigator becoming more popular. This sounds very interesting to me. Will research this in more detail as I can.

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Sorry for the thread necro, but it is kind of appropriate given the subject. ;)

As a former LEO (correction), I was understandably excited when this sub-specialty was made known to me. What job opportunities could I reasonably expect to have, outside of SANE and correction, in the greater NYC area?

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After following this thread and looking online I am quite interested in forensic nursing however I do not have the slightest idea what steps to take and who to contact to get started. I am hoping those of you in this field already can help me ( and others) with ( i) information on what we need, ( ii) what courses are needed, ( iii) who to talk to and ( iv) where to apply. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you. I have been an RN for 20+ years. Currently colorado/Wyoming

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