Forensic Nursing - Investigate the possibilities!
The specialization of Forensic Nursing is a relatively recent development in the nursing field. First established in approximately 1992 as a nursing segment, it is increasing in scope. The non-profit International Association of Forensic Nurses was formed in 1992 after the first national convention of forensic nurses.
What is Forensic Nursing?
A Forensic Nurse is highly educated in both nursing and legal aspects. These nurses are essentially a bridge between nursing and law enforcement, dealing with criminal and civil investigations. A Forensic Nurse is involved with treating patients suffering injuries from traumatic violence, collecting evidence, performing examinations and providing expert legal testimony.
A Forensic Nurse must retain a calm demeanor when conducting full examinations of victims, while simultaneously attending to the patient’s emotional state. It is a fast-paced practice of nursing, as evidence must be collected immediately before it is lost through medical treatment.
Victims may not be willing to disclose the cause of their injuries and a Forensic Nurse is trained to recognize signs of abuse or violence from the patient’s vital signs and a full-body examination to discover if there are further indications of trauma.
Forensic Nurses are also involved in major disasters, such as hurricanes, to aid in treatment and identification of victims.
Community education is a major contribution that Forensic Nurses make. The education frequently focuses on sexual assault, interpersonal violence and elder abuse.
Forensic Nursing has become increasingly valuable in protecting the rights of victims, both living and deceased.
Forensic Nurse Education
To begin with, a Forensic Nurse must be a licensed registered nurse with either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. There are different options to specializing as a Forensic Nurse:
- Certificate Programs: Certificate programs offer courses centered on forensic subjects offered in addition to undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Continuing Education courses contained within certificate programs.
- Selecting forensic courses as elective studies as part of a degree or certificate program.
- Earning a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a specialization in forensic nursing.
Prospective students may be required to undergo a background check, complete an examination and verify credentials.
The time required to obtain your education as a Forensic Nurse depends on your choice of program.
Career Specializations
Forensic Nurse Examiner: A Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) deals with patients of all ages that have suffered a variety of abusive situations, including sexual assault, criminal violence, neglect and psychological trauma. The FNE conducts an investigation and gathers evidence. A FNE provides education, medical treatment and appropriate referrals to other professionals.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner: Often referred to with the acronym "SANE", this professional typically works in an emergency department to collect evidence and provide the victim assistance in accordance with standard protocol. The SANE is vital to psychological recovery. Unfortunately, many sexual assault victims are young girls, who would bear life-long psychological scars without a SANE's intervention.
Disaster Forensic Nurse: There are several aspects to a Disaster Forensic Nurse's job description, including death investigation, mental health, trauma treatment and identification, and containment of infectious diseases.
Death Investigator Forensic Nurse: The International Association of Forensic Nurses recommends a certificate program for a Death Investigator Forensic Nurse though the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. A nurse with these qualifications is a vital component to an investigation team by conducting analytical assessments, evaluating psychosocial events and having practical experience in ER and ICU departments.
Elder Mistreatment Forensic Nurse: An Elder Mistreatment Forensic Nurse is trained to recognize signs of elder abuse of vulnerable seniors and take appropriate actions to remove the senior from the situation or neutralize the source of abuse.
Interpersonal Violence Forensic Nurse: An Interpersonal Violence Forensic Nurse deals with individuals and families with substance abuse issues and violence against spouses and children. The Interpersonal Violence Forensic Nurse is typically employed in emergency rooms, primary care and trauma facilities.
Career Salary
Salary depends greatly on location, experience and employer. Many Forensic Nurses are employed in hospital emergency rooms, but may also find job opportunities with private consultants and insurance corporations.
A Forensic nurse can be paid hourly or by case. Hourly wages range from on-call wages of $1 to $4, plus 1.5 times the base salary in the event the nurse is called in for a case. Annual salaries can range from $54,000 to $208,000, but this hinges on experience and location as mentioned above. Compensation of $150 to $400 may also be offered on a per case basis.
Career Outlook
As this form of nursing is still in its infancy stages, the job outlook is bright, especially in today's of high crime rates. Forensic Nursing is addressing the challenge of acceptance of the specialty by both the nursing profession and the public.
