A forensic nurse combines clinical nursing practice with the law enforcement arena. A forensic nurse is involved in the investigation and treatment of victims of sexual assault, elder, child and spousal abuse, unexplained or accidental death, trauma and assault as well as any criminal incident.
Practice roles for the forensic nurse include a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner [SANE], nurse coroner, nurse investigator, correctional nurse, forensic psychiatric nurse, pediatric/geriatric nurse educator, researcher or consultant. A forensic nurse will be challenged to combine nursing knowledge with investigative and counseling skills. This is a new, evolving specialty.
It does have its drawbacks. Working with victims/perpetrators of violent crime or abuse can be emotionally trying. Limited full-time, paid opportunities are available as the field grows; the field sometimes relies on grants and government funding.
Essential skills include a psychiatric/emergency department background for some specialties. A willingness to work with extremes of human behavior is also helpful.
Educational requirements vary. Degrees for forensic nursing are not required. Certification is usually required for SANE, forensic pediatric/geriatric nurse. A forensic psychiatric nurse requires a master's degree with counseling certification.
Forensic nurses are employed by acute health care facilities, correctional institutions, county prosecutor and coroner's offices, medical examiners, insurance companies and in psychiatric facilities.
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