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.
SpecialtiesForensicKnowledge
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
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.
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.
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.
