Masters in forensic nursing?

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Specializes in CVICU.

Are there any nurses out there who have their Master's in Forensic Nursing? I am entertaining the idea of going back for my Master's either specializing in Forensic Nursing, or an FNP. I have tried to do some research, but there is not much out there for Master's prepared forensic nursing. As a forensic nurse with a Master's degree, what type of work do you do? What is your salary like? Hours & days a week that you work? Any other important things about forensic nursing that I should know about?

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Hello. I will be starting on my MSN in forensics with Fitchburg State Univesity in January. Because of my location, I'm only able to complete an online program since I do not live near a school that offers brick and mortar classes. That being said, I had to decide which of the three schools would be the best fit for what I was looking for in a program. Duquesne University was school #4, however, I'm in NC and therefore disqualified from their program. Aspen University is not currently regionally accredited, only nationally. That may not be an issue for you or what you are looking for in a school. Personally, I prefer the regional accreditation so I was able to eliminate that school. Moumouth has a great program, but seems to have a focus in SANE nursing. In fact, the last I checked into them, the nurse was eligible to sit for the SANE-A exam at the completion of the program. My specialty/passion is in corrections and that is what curriculum/practicums Fitchburg concentrates on. Do I need this advanced degree to do what I do? No. The purpose of completing this degree for me is the advanced knowledge I will gain with the presumption that it will aid me to provide better care to this specific population, along with personal achievement. If I decide later down the road to teach, or become a NP for example, I can always complete a post-masters certificate program. To answer your questions, I'm not sure how/if my salary will change once I finish the program. Hours for corrections vary per facility. In NC, some of the state jails offers 8 hour 5 day/wk shifts, while most are the typical 36/48 hour/wk 12 hour shifts. I hate working more than 3-4 days a week, so I only work 12's. From what I have heard, a lot of SANE nurses are PRN or have call schedules at hospitals or crisis centers. Maybe a SANE nurse can chime in on your discussion and provide their feedback. I hope that helps you some.

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Specializes in Psych, IV antibiotic therapy med-surg/addictions.

Xavier university in cincinnati has a masters in forensic nursing but i believe it is on-ground

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how was your experience at fitchburg slizendiceRN? I am seriously considering. thanks!

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I also was going to do the masters in forensic nursing at Aspen as well, but then thought to myself where would I work? I did a 40 hour web based SANE training for free through tribal forensic healthcare but am struggling finding a place to do the clinical training. I live in rural Northern Arizona and the only Forensic Nursing Department is in Pheonix.

I believe I am changing my educational route to PMHNP so I know I can get a job with that degree. If Im going to put the money out for a masters I got to have good financial return.

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On 2/23/2019 at 8:25 PM, eh14 said:

how was your experience at fitchburg slizendiceRN? I am seriously considering. thanks!

Sooooo I ended up changing gears and decided to pursue a MPH instead of MSN. I really wanted to go the forensics route, however, it was just to specific a degree for where I am at now in my life and where my future goals are headed. I currently live overseas, if I return, then I will look into a forensics certificate. I did complete one semester of a MSN with Capella University back in April and withdrew after that. I didn't feel passionate enough about the program to continue. Good luck with your future endeavors!

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I switched gears as well. I was going go to Aspen University for MSN in Forensic Nurse, but due to my location in very rural northern arizona, there is not a big job demand for the forensic nurse role.

I switched to MSN PMHNP. I start EKU in the spring for this.

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On 10/3/2019 at 12:41 AM, mtnbiker said:

I switched gears as well. I was going go to Aspen University for MSN in Forensic Nurse, but due to my location in very rural northern arizona, there is not a big job demand for the forensic nurse role.

I switched to MSN PMHNP. I start EKU in the spring for this.

I can relate to your situation. At one point, I contacted WKU about their PMHNP program, however, I decided that wasn't what I wanted. That's very exciting that you'll be attending EKU! I start on my MPH in January...good luck to you. I think your investment will definitely payoff.

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Specializes in Mental health.

I am a UK trained mental health nurse but would like to practice in Canada. I have done the assessment with NNAS and hoping to write the exam in Alberta. I would have loved to have an idea of the exams centers in Alberta before I buy my ticket as I have never to that province and don't want to be too far away from the exam venue. Any idea of how I can have past questions as well?

Thanks.

Prince

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Hello mtnbiker, any info on EKU's program? I'd really love to hear what you think about it!

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