Required education
ADN or BSN
Average annual salary
$57k–$90k
Attributes
Fast-paced
React and make decisions quickly in demanding conditions.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Research-oriented
Analyze data and discover new ways to help patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
You’ll work in nursing and the criminal justice system, giving evidence and testifying on behalf of your patients.
What you’ll do
Documentation
You’ll collect data and record evidence, photograph injuries, interview patients and their families.
Liaison
You’ll act as the go between for patients, their families, doctors, law enforcement and social services.
Testify
You’ll provide evidence in court and act as deputy coroner.
Treatment
You’ll perform physical exams and care for patients’ wounds.
Where you’ll work
- Emergency rooms
- Hospitals
- Laboratories
- Law courts
How to become a Forensic Nurse
01
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
02
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
03
Get your Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Certification after spending the amount of time your state requires in Forensic Nursing.
There is no official Forensic Nurse certification.
04
You’re ready to work as a Forensic Nurse.
Join an Organization
Become a member of a Forensic Nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Related Organizations
A Health Policy Nurse’s role is also research-oriented.
A Domestic Violence Nurse is another type of community nurse.
