How to Become a Forensic Nurse
Forensic nurses are trained to treat survivors of assault and violence. These nurses provide an important connection between the health care system and the justice system, while serving as a patient advocate. A forensic nurse holds a variety of responsibilities, including examining victims of trauma, documenting their injuries and recommending next steps in medical treatment. These nurses gather the required forensic evidence, and present it as needed to support court cases and legal proceedings with law enforcement.
Forensic nurses have a strong sense of compassion and empathy and can use those skills to help victims after a traumatic event. They have a detailed understanding of the court system, evidence collection, mechanisms of injury and are skilled in critical thinking, communication, and handling traumatic and often devastating situations. Forensic nurses also often commit to around the clock coverage to address the needs of individuals who have experienced violence.
As a forensic nurse, you have the ability to work in many different settings, including anti-violence programs or the medical examiner’s office. As the demand for this area of nursing increases, there are also jobs at psychiatric clinics and in emergency government services and prisons to help a variety of individuals who have been victimized by of violence. While completing your education — whether that’s an ADN, a distance BSN or online MSN program — is a good start, understanding what forensic nurses do, where they work and whom they serve can help navigate the right path to pursuing this career.
The steps to becoming a forensic nurse
Step #1: Earn your nursing degree
Forensic nurses are required to hold a nursing degree. There are a few options to start: an associate degree in nursing program (ADN), a bachelor of science degree (BSN), or a direct entry masters. Nurses can also complete an online ABSN program to accelerate their nursing education if they already hold a bachelor’s in another field. The bachelor of science degree takes up to four years to complete if you don’t have a prior undergraduate degree or credits. If you have a prior bachelors degree in another discipline, an ABSN program is a great option. ABSN programs can often be completed in 12-24 months; however, it gives you access to more career opportunities, such as entering leadership positions in forensic nursing.
Accredited programs come in a variety of formats, including in-person courses and online course and hybrid options. Online programs have become increasingly attractive to students because they are less demanding in an already busy schedule. For example, if you currently hold a job or have personal commitments, online programs could provide some flexibility required to continue those commitments as you pursue your career as a forensic nurse.
Step #2: Take the NCLEX-RN exam
Completing a nursing program will qualify you to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This exam is a nationwide exam for the licensure of nurses in the United States and Canada. If you want to become a registered nurse, you have to take and pass this exam.
Passing this exam will allow you to apply for licensure in your state. Keep in mind that every state has different licensing requirements. All require the NCLEX-RN exam, but many have additional requirements, such as passing a background check or submitting letters of recommendation. Check with your state board of nursing for state-specific requirements.
Step #3: Obtain on-the-job experience
Forensic nursing positions often require that you have prior nursing experience. Specialties such as pediatrics or psychiatry are good areas to focus on when pursuing this nursing profession, as they give you relevant expertise if you decide to specialize in a specific area, such as forensic psychiatric nursing.
Step #4: Complete a forensic nursing certificate program
Certification programs provide the skills required to transition into the forensic nursing specialty. These programs are typically offered as continuing education or as a postgraduate nursing school certification. Programs vary in duration and typically include a practicum so you can get hands-on experience.
Most positions will not require you to become board certified, but certification does demonstrate your specialized skills and experience when you’re applying for positions.
The International Association of Forensic Nurses offers two different certification options for sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). The SANE-A is focused on working with adults and teens, and the SANE-P is focused on caring for pediatric patients. Certification requires that applicants have at least two years of RN experience and meet other criteria laid out by the Forensic Nursing Certification Board.
Salary and job outlook
The average salary for a forensic nurse is $73,698, and job growth for nurses overall is expected to remain strong. The Bureau of Labor expects the demand for nurses to grow faster than average until 2029.
The exact amount that you earn will vary based on where you work, and your specific experience and education. However, understanding what’s required of forensic nurses, including education and experience, will get you started on the road to success within his nursing profession.
Sources:
- PayScale. Salary for Skill: Forensic Nursing. https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Skill=Forensic_Nursing/Salary (visited August 4, 2021).
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (visited August 4, 2021).
