The number of forensic nurses is growing to meet public health demands. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not supply forensic nurse salary and employment data but includes them in their projections for all RNs. Their job responsibilities may include: collecting evidence, photographing injuries for evidence, working with victims of domestic abuse or violence, connecting with law enforcement and legal teams to help victims, providing testimony in court cases, working with medical examiners when victims die, as well as all traditional nursing responsibilities. View all blog posts under Master of Science in Nursing | Sexual assault nurse examiners must understand victimization issues, possess investigative and counseling skills, and be sensitive to victims needs. The cost of living in the location of the position is an important factor and higher salaries often correlate with higher costs of living. Forensic nurses also must have exceptional communication skills as they ask victims to relive traumatic details, perform medical exams on traumatized people, and communicate with medical professionals, law enforcement, and other victims or witnesses to crimes. The average salary for registered nurses in 2020 was $80,010 annually (BLS May 2020) with the following percentiles: As with most jobs, a forensic nurses salary will vary considerably based on several different factors, mainly that nurses training and experience. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) M.A. For example, RNs with a graduate degree and a nurse practitioner specialty earn an annual salary of $111,840. Business Administration, Accounting B.S. Forensic nurses are an essential part of forensic investigations. TV shows such as CSI have also made the field popular. Send me more information about WGU and a $65 application fee waiver code. Medical examiners office. Science Education (Secondary Physics) M.A. Forensic nurses integrate healthcare and criminal justice training into one specialized career. An expert witness may not be able to speak to the evidence collected and presented in court, but can provide general information about current practice and protocols that are based on experience and medical literature. Students in high school should do their best to excel in science courses such as biology and chemistry to set themselves up for success. Forensic nurses must first be registered nurses. Correctional facilities. Nursing Leadership and Management (RN to-MSN Program) M.S. Business Administration, Human Resource Management B.S. Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) B.S. RegisteredNursing.org does not guarantee the accuracy or results of any of this information. Open to RNs and advanced practice nurses, Credit: monkeybusinessimages / iStock /Getty Images Plus, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), International Association of Forensic Nurses, Examine patients to assess and collect evidence of trauma and injuries before referring them to the next stage of medical treatment, Provide support to survivors and their families, Gather and submit evidence for criminal investigations, Coordinate with law enforcement and testify in court, Understanding of criminal justice and legal systems, 2022 NurseJournal.org, a Red Ventures Company. The job outlook for forensic nurses is especially favorable, as there aren't currently enough to meet the demand across the country. The popularity of this profession on TV shows may have produced myths about this emerging career choice. Many hospitals are wanting registered nurses who also have a nursing degree, so earning yours can make you a better candidate. These examinations are offered twice per year, in April and September. Forensic nursingan area at the intersection of medicine and lawis a specialty only recently recognized by the American Nurses Association (ANA). We're emailing you the app fee waiver code and other information about getting your degree from WGU.
Colleges or universities. They have a foundation in the criminal justice system as well as nursing. accelerated View all blog posts under Articles | View all blog posts under Forensic Nursing | View all blog posts under Master of Science in Nursing, LGBTQ health disparities and challenges facing underrepresented communities often go unaddressed. In addition to providing continuing education and professional development opportunities, the IAFN offers two Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certifications: SANE-A (adult/adolescents)and SANE-P (pediatrics/adolescents). The work can be chaotic and can be mentally and emotionally draining. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) M.A. It is important to note that as a fact witness, the nurse may testify about anything observed or said during the exam but cannot provide an opinion on the causation of any injuries. Business Management B.S. They may measure wounds, take photos, and take tissue or blood samples as official evidence in a criminal investigation. Forensic nursing is an important facet of nursing that deals with trauma victims. The majority of a forensic nurses time is spent in a hospital setting, often in an emergency room. State requirements may also directly impact how much a nurse can make. Helpful Organizations, Societies, & Agencies, Post-Masters Certificate Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), post-master's forensic nursing certificate, The American Institute of Health Care Professionals. While some nurses have only an associates degree in nursing (ADN), others choose to earn a bachelors degree, either in nursing (BSN) or another area such as biology. Qualified SANE-A and SANE-P nurses spring into action once a rape or other sexual assault has been reported. Business Administration, Healthcare Management B.S. Step 3: Become a registered nurse (less than one year) After graduating from college, nurses must sit for the NCLEX exam. Leveraging these essential skills helps forensic nurses to complete daily tasks such as: All states require that registered nurses have a nursing license that is valid in that state. Every degree program at WGU is tied to a high-growth, highly rewarding career path. A nurse may choose to practice as a registered nurse or advance to a nurse practitioner role specializing in forensic nursing. Forensic nurses who work in emergency departments/urgent care may: Forensic nurses working in the community may: Whether forensic nurses are employed in the hospital or community setting, working with deceased or living patients, their roles are the same. While earning an advanced degree is not a requirement for this type of work, many nurses do go on to pursue a masters degree or a doctoral-level degree to further their careers. Additionally, more education can be a great way to earn more money as a nurse. In addition, many forensic nurses obtain certification as sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE). Forensic Nursing Career: An Interview with Dr. Carter-Snell, Post-Master's Forensic Nursing Certificate (for RNs), Online Master's in Forensic Nursing (for RNs), Federal executive branch (OEWS designation): $96,230, Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing: $92,110, Other investment pools and funds: $91,990, Assessing and treating injuries in patients who may have been victims of crimes, Gathering evidence from patients, including physical evidence, biological evidence, and photographs, Maintaining chain of custody while sending evidence to appropriate labs, Making and report observations about patient behavior that may be relevant to an investigation, Reporting potential crimes to law enforcement while respecting patient privacy laws. There are several things you can do to help you earn more money as a nurse, and a career in forensic nursing is one great option. Helping victims of sexual assault and partner violence can be heartwrenching, yet also rewarding in helping people give voice to their experiences to lessen future crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
What Are the Educational Requirements for a Forensic Nurse? All trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. As the demand for these specialized nurses increases, career opportunities expand in other settings, such as psychiatric clinics, correctional facilities, and emergency government services. Studies have shown that evidence collected by SANE-certified nurses results in higher prosecution and conviction rates. Forensic nurses are needed in traditional hospital settings to help with crime, violence, human trafficking, and more. While not necessarily required, certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and a higher standard of care within the field of forensic nursing. Forensic nurses are needed in more than one work environment. Job opportunities in the forensic nursing field are likely to be robust for those who want to pursue the career path. Rachel writes about meditation, yoga, coaching, and more on her blog (Instagram: @racheldrummondyoga). Nurses hone many specific skills that help them find success like psychology, crisis intervention, avoiding tampering with evidence, communication, problem solving, and more. Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) M.A. According to PayScale.com, forensic nurses can earn between $46,509 to $90,960 annually. Why Are More Than 100,000 Rape Kits Still Untested? Nursing is an extremely rewarding professionnurses work to help patients recover each and every day and often are responsible for saving and improving lives. In addition, a nurse death investigator may have to visit crime scenes and attend autopsies. However, other specialties will have different requirements. Forensic nurses are specially trained registered nurses (RNs) and serve victims of abuse, violence, human trafficking, and more. Some common forensic nursing specializations include sexual assault, medical-legal consulting, death investigation, and forensic psychiatric nursing. The kit is then sealed and delivered to the appropriate authorities. This unique, dual role ensures that victims of a crime receive the best quality care during a very emotionally and physically trying time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the nursing profession is expected to grow by 12% in the next ten years, and nursing shortages make it a great time to earn your degree and pursue this exciting and rewarding occupation. Anyone entering forensic nursing should have a good idea of some of the skills they should have and develop. Nurses employed as forensic examiners or coroners investigate causes of death, assist in autopsies, and collect evidence from corpses, clothing, and the crime scene. Nursing Education (RN-to-MSN Program) M.S.
There are also other specializations available and are outlined in the next section. They also collect evidence and may testify in court cases. Forensic nurses on the front lines can act as both caregiver and liaisons, limiting the amount of interactions which, in turn, can help build trust with victims. For example, forensic nurse examiners are also required to have the IAFN recommended skills, be able to document trauma and injury and be able to deal every day with subjects such as death and dying. Since forensic nurses have this special skill set, it is not uncommon for authorities to request them to provide testimonies in court. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. 