I don't want to spend 35k on a degree if I'm not going to get a pay raise. Don't misconstrue me, I'm not looking to get rich and my heart is 100 percent in the right place, but it's expensive to go back to school. I haven't talked to any FN's, but from what I've read online, the pay for a FN working in the ED is about the same as a BSN with the same years of experience.
Editorial Team / Moderator Lunah, MSN, RN 33 Articles; 13,741 Posts Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CNE, CEN, CPEN, TCRN. Has 15 years experience. May 17, 2017 Have you done any forensic work? That might be the best place to start to see if it is something in which you'd want to pursue an advanced degree.
Zyprexa 204 Posts Has 2 years experience. May 18, 2017 If you're interested in forensic nursing, I HIGHLY recommend that you shadow FNEs. You don't need an advanced degree to be a FNE, you must go through a training program, complete the required number of clinical hours, and take the test to become certified. You should have experience as a FNE before getting your MSN in forensics.
marwidog 13 Posts Has 3 years experience. Jun 6, 2017 You can always get a start by registering as a SANE nurse. The SANE nurse in the ED where I work said it took about a year, but it was worth the time. I don't think it was very expensive, either. I'll be going that route once I finish my BSN, I think.
