- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Forensic nurse
Forensic nurse
A forensic nurse cares for patients who have been the victims of sexual abuse, violence and assault.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Research-oriented
Analyze data and discover new ways to help patients.
Fast-paced
React and make decisions quickly in demanding conditions.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
What is the role of a forensic nurse?
You’ll work in nursing and the criminal justice system, giving evidence and testifying on behalf of your patients.
What you’ll do as a forensic nurse
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 as a forensic nurse
Forensic nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Emergency rooms
- Hospitals
- Laboratories
- Law courts
How to become a forensic nurse
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
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.
You’re ready to work as a forensic nurse.
Forensic nurse career resources
Become a member of a forensic nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Emergency Nurses Association
Emergency Nurses Association
Related nursing specialties
Domestic violence nurse
A domestic violence nurse works with patients who are victims of physical or emotional abuse.
Emergency nurse
An emergency nurse takes care of patients in a wide range of situations, from fevers, to minor injuries and major trauma.