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Forensic Nursing

By Heather Hutchins, NursingSchools.com Contributing Writer

Forensic nurses act as liaisons between the medical and legal communities. Although the word "forensic" summons up images of the latest crime scene television show, the word actually means “pertaining to the law or public discussion.” In practice, forensic nurses work with trauma and disaster patients, collect evidence, run diagnostic tests and often provide expert testimony in court.

While some forensic nurses do work in the morgue with medical examiners and coroners, most work in hospitals, university medical centers, sexual trauma or crisis centers and correctional facilities. Some forensic nurses work with law enforcement teams. Since the term "forensic nurse" was only coined in 1992, the field is still evolving and the range of opportunities is expected to grow.

Benefits

Since the field of forensic nursing is relatively new, the salary differs by region, qualifications and work place. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earning for registered nurses (RNs) in May 2006 was $57,280. Because forensic nursing is considered a nursing specialty, the salary is based on experience, education and certification. In most cases, forensic nurses earn more than regular RNs.

In addition to salary, forensic nurses receive paid vacation, professional liability insurance, paid sick time, medical, life and dental insurance. Some facilities also offer on-site day care and reimbursement for educational expenses.

Education

Most forensic nursing positions require that applicants be registered nurses. In addition, registered nurses can prepare themselves for the forensic nursing specialty by earning an additional degree in forensic nursing or by earning the Certified Forensic Nurse (CFN) designation offered by the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute.

Forensic nurses can specialize in working with different patient populations including victims of sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, medicolegal death investigation (used in major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina) and community education. For example, the International Association of Forensic Nurses offers certification as a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE).

Job Prospects

Employment opportunities for forensic nurses who have their RN degrees are good. According to the Department of Labor, the field is expected to increase at least nine percent every year through 2015.

Related Nursing Specialties

Nursing specialties related to forensic nursing include emergency room nursing, medical legal consulting (also called legal nurse consulting), nurse coroner/death investigator and forensic nurse investigator.