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The popularity of crime scene television shows and police dramas has brought renewed interest in forensics to a new generation of students and professionals. Offering a combination of basic medical training and specialized investigative skills, forensic nurses are crucially important players in aiding police departments, stopping criminal activity and enforcing the law.
What Does a Forensic Nurse Do?
Forensic nurses are skilled registered nurses (RNs) with expertise in investigating crime scenes and treating victims of abuse and accidents. They work in hospital emergency rooms, women's clinics, morgues, prisons and courtrooms--and, of course, at crime scenes. The role of a forensic nurse is to bridge the gap between medicine and the law, which is why they complete rigorous training as an RN before entering forensic studies.
In their varied work settings, forensic nurses perform many different tasks, ranging from investigating accidents and establishing a legal cause of death, to treating victims of rape and abuse. Depending on the area of expertise, the daily responsibilities of a forensic nurse may involve:
Forensic nurses can choose from such specializations as:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than 2.6 million people worked as registered nurses in 2008. Sixty percent of RNs were employed in hospitals and 19% worked for government or social assistance agencies. Rapid growth in the health care field means that an estimated 581,500 new nursing jobs should be created between 2008 and 2018, many of these in forensic specializations. Most registered nurses earned between $43,970 and $93,700, annually in 2009.
What Are the Steps to Becoming a Forensic Nurse?
Forensic nurses must first complete their studies as an RN. Then, they pursue additional education and certification in forensics.
Focus on sciences. If you're still in high school, choose science classes such as chemistry, biology and physics. These are core courses you'll need to enter a nursing degree program. If such electives are available at your school, courses such as psychology, criminology and communications may also prove beneficial.
Become a registered nurse. Completing a two- or four-year degree program in nursing at an accredited college or university is the first concrete step in preparing for a career as a forensic nurse.
Get licensed. In order to practice as an RN, you need to be licensed in your state and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Pick your path. Choose a specialization in forensic nursing that interests you and investigate schools and career options in that area.
Study forensic nursing. You'll need to complete a certificate or master's degree program in forensic science before you can work as a forensic nurse. Courses common to forensic nursing programs include Criminology, Preservation of Evidence, Victimology, Forensic Law and Child and Elder Abuse.
Get certified. Forensic nurses are certified by state organizations as well as national and international organizations such as the International Association of Forensic Nurses. Certification is especially important for those who want to work with the police or government agencies, in the legal field and as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).
Get an entry-level job in your area of specialization. Hospitals, medical clinics, police departments and government agencies typically require a background check and psychological exam before hiring new candidates.
How to Become a Great Forensic Nurse
The above steps form the groundwork for embarking on a career path as a forensic nurse. If you're aiming for the top of your field, however, there are a few more things you can do to achieve maximum success and fulfillment:
Forensic nurses work in a variety of environments to support abuse victims, help catch criminals, protect citizens and uphold the law. If you're interested in a career as a forensic nurse, there is considerable opportunity for those with the right attitude, training and high-integrity approach to medicine and criminal science.
Resources for Forensic Nurses
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
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