Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
.jpg)
Forensic Nurses
Forensic nursing combines standard medical care with activities that support legal proceedings. Forensic nurses typically handle injuries related to violence and abuse, such as sexual assault.
Table of contents
A Forensic Nurse is a Registered Nurse (RN) or an Advanced Practice Nurse who specializes in care for patients who are victims of physical or emotional trauma. They provide nursing to patients when their trauma is associated with violence or victimization.
For example, a Forensic Nurse may be assigned to a patient who was a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, neglect, or any other form of intentional physical or mental distress. The Forensic Nurse is an advocate for the patient. They often collect forensic evidence that can be used in a court of law to help prosecutors. A Forensic Nurse may also be called to testify to describe the evidence collected.
Working as a Forensic Nurse gives you the chance to help victims find justice. Along with providing medical care, you may refer patients to other specialists, such as therapists who specialize in sexual assault or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What they do
Forensic nursing combines standard medical care with activities that support legal proceedings. Forensic nurses typically handle injuries related to violence and abuse, such as sexual assault.
1. Collect forensic evidence from victims
The main job of the Forensic Nurse is to obtain physical evidence when a crime may have occurred. This may include forensic evidence related to rape and other forms of physical violence.
When a patient’s case involves criminal activity, the Forensic Nurse collects evidence. They may need to obtain bodily fluids for testing in a lab. Other forms of evidence may include hair, clothing fibers, and DNA from the culprit behind the crime.
Collected evidence is typically handed to the authorities investigating civil or criminal proceedings. For example, the Forensic Nurse may need to oversee the transfer of evidence to a detective or forensic investigators.
2. Ensure that patients receive the highest level of care
Forensic Nurse must ensure that victims receive the best care available due to the sensitive nature of trauma and assault. The Forensic Nurse is often the liaison between the patient and other medical workers. They address the physical and emotional needs of the patient while coordinating with other hospital staff.
3. Testify in court for civil or criminal proceedings
Forensic Nurses are occasionally called to testify to explain the evidence collected. Their explanations help jurors and judges understand the value and integrity of the evidence, which may help prosecutors prove their case.
Forensic Nurses may be called as factual or expert witnesses. A factual witness describes the examination of the patient to give jurors and judges a professional view of the facts related to the case. An expert witness offers their educated opinion based on the evidence collected.
Before testifying, Forensic Nurses are typically instructed on the types of questions that they will be asked, giving them a chance to prepare their answers and determine which information they need to bring to court.
4. Refer patients to other specialists for additional care
Victims of assault often require ongoing care to deal with the emotional trauma of the crimes. After treating patients, Forensic Nurses may refer them to other specialists.
For example, a victim of sexual assault may be referred to a therapist who specializes in these cases. You may also refer patients to specialists for physical rehabilitation to deal with recovery from physical injuries.
5. Perform the duties and responsibilities of a Registered Nurse
Along with duties specifically related to the role of a Forensic Nurse, you may need to perform tasks typically assigned to RNs. Your daily activities may include treating patients for injuries or illnesses that do not involve assault or intentional trauma.
What is the job like
Pros
You get to help victims seek justice
The evidence that you collect may be the key to prosecuting a criminal case. You get to help victims obtain justice against the perpetrators of their crimes.
You may help victims overcome difficult forms of trauma
Forensic Nurses play an important role in helping victims deal with their traumas. Besides providing emotional support, you may assist with their recovery by referring them to various specialists.
Forensic nursing is full of new experiences
Every day brings a new case or patient for you to work with. The variety of situations that you deal with keeps this job interesting and intellectually stimulating.
You can work in a variety of healthcare settings
Many Forensic Nurses start as RNs at hospitals and health clinics. However, Forensic Nursing gives you the chance to work for nonprofit organizations and government agencies. You may even use Forensic Nursing as a path to become a Forensic Investigator or Forensic Technician
Cons
Dealing with victims of crimes can be overwhelming
The emotional toll of dealing with serious crimes may be too much for some individuals.
Testifying in court may make some nurses uncomfortable
Some nurses dislike the process of testifying in court, especially when cross-examined by defense lawyers who question their professional abilities.
Where they work
Most Forensic Nurses work in hospitals. They are often assigned to the emergency rooms and urgent care wings of hospitals, allowing them to help trauma patients after they arrive at the hospital. When working at a hospital, a Forensic Nurse may work directly with other nurses and only collect forensic evidence when a patient is a victim of a crime.
Experienced Forensic Nurses may find employment in other settings such as local government health agencies, coroner offices, medical examiner offices, and nonprofit organizations that assist victims of trauma or abuse.
.jpg)
How to become one
Step 1: Earn a Degree in Nursing
Before becoming a Forensic Nurse, you must become a Registered Nurse (RN). The path to becoming an RN starts with a nursing degree. You can obtain an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). All three options qualify you to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam to Become Licensed
After earning a degree, you must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). You can then apply for an RN license in your state, which may include a background check and other requirements.
Step 3: Enroll in Forensic Courses or a Forensic Nurse Program
Forensic Nurses need to know how to collect forensic evidence, including swabs of fluids, fibers, and hairs. To learn these skills, take forensic courses at a local college or enroll in a Forensic Nurse program. You can then start applying for entry-level Forensic Nurse programs.
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
Forensic Nurses should be empathetic and compassionate. This job involves working with victims of serious crimes, which requires a higher level of empathy compared to a typical nursing role.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Don’t know which career to pursue?
Take the career quiz to find careers that match your personality type.
Take The Career Quiz
