Forensic nursing has emerged as a vital sub-area in the nursing field, requiring unique knowledge and skills in complex circumstances where health care and law converge.
Those working in this specialism tend to be scientifically minded, methodical problem solvers.
If this sounds like you, and you’re interested in pursuing a career as a forensic nurse, you’ll need to develop a solid foundation in nursing and build specialized knowledge of the field as it relates to forensics and law enforcement.
Your journey starts with pursuing relevant, high-quality education, such as an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Forensic Nursing or online Forensic Nursing Post-Master’s Certificate.
These credentials are designed to help you build the specialized knowledge to land a job in the field and thrive throughout your career. You also may need further professional certification and on-the-job training.
What Does a Forensic Nurse Do?
Forensic nursing is a multifaceted field that requires holistic operational approaches, techniques, tools and resources.
Forensic nurses typically provide short- and long-term care for patients who have suffered violence.
Their patients may include victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child and elder abuse, human trafficking or homicide attempts. Some patients are behind bars for crimes they committed.
Naturally, treating these patients requires traditional nursing practices. However, forensic nurses also engage in the following:
- Tending to injuries sustained during acts of violence
- Acting as an intermediary among victims, perpetrators and law enforcement
- Providing crisis intervention for patients
- Consulting with and providing support to victims’ families
- Referring patients to ongoing support and recovery programs
- Collecting and preserving evidence, such as photographing injuries and saving torn clothing, to be used in legal proceedings
- Testifying in court cases
- Working with communities to provide anti-violence education and advocacy
Consequently, forensic nurses work in many environments that most practitioners may never see, such as community anti-violence programs, coroner and medical examiner offices, corrections institutions, law enforcement facilities, courthouses and crime scenes. They are also fixtures in traditional settings like medical hospitals, psychiatric hospitals and clinics.