Forensic nurses provide physical and emotional care to victims of sexual assault and other violent acts. Learning how to become a forensic nurse starts with earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and obtaining an RN license. Then, nurses can gain clinical experience before shifting into forensic nursing.
Every victim of violent crime, abuse, and neglect needs compassionate, trauma-informed healthcare that preserves their dignity, helps them heal, and collects evidence for the pursuit of justice. Nurses play an important part in treating victims. If you want to fill this unique role, start by learning how to become a forensic nurse.
If you have the desire to care for those in need, don’t worry if you don’t have a healthcare background. The University of St. Thomas’ Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed for transfer students and career switchers seeking a fast-track program without sacrificing quality. Our ABSN program allows you to graduate in as few as 12 months, so you can start your nursing career sooner.
First, let’s address common questions, such as “What does a forensic nurse do?” and “What are the requirements to become a forensic nurse?” Then, we will explore career possibilities.
Where Forensic Nurses Work and Who They Serve
A forensic nurse is a registered nurse (RN) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who serves victims of violent crime, abuse, and neglect. They work with patients of all ages and may also coordinate with the families and partners of victims.
Forensic nurses work at the intersection of healthcare and the justice system. Some potential work settings include:
- Community anti-violence programs
- Coroners’ offices
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals and clinics
- Medical examiners’ offices
- Psychiatric facilities
- Public health entities
Sometimes, forensic nurses are even called to respond to victims of natural disasters and other community crises.
What Does a Forensic Nurse Do?
Forensic nurses care for their patients’ physical, mental, and emotional needs. They offer psychosocial support and comfort to patients, many of whom may be suffering severe mental distress in the wake of a violent act.
Some specific tasks include:
- Performing forensic exams, which involve gathering and documenting physical evidence, including photographing injuries and collecting DNA and clothing
- Providing patient education and connecting patients to community resources
- Testifying in court
- Treating physical injuries, managing pain, and administering medications
Forensic nurses are advocates who give their patients a voice. It’s important to note that, although they do provide emotional support, forensic nurses are not mental health counselors.
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Education Requirements to Become a Forensic Nurse
With such a particular set of responsibilities, you may be curious about how to become a forensic nurse. Aspiring forensic nurses must earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is generally preferable, as it provides a foundation for graduate coursework and career advancement.
UST’s ABSN program confers a BSN through a combination of didactic online coursework and in-person nursing skills and simulation labs. It also includes immersive experiential learning during clinical placements at nearby healthcare facilities. This combination of remote and hands-on learning enables our students to become competent nurse candidates.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Nurse
The first steps in becoming a forensic nurse are the same as for any other nursing specialty: earn a degree and obtain RN licensure. If you lack prior college education, you can enroll in a traditional BSN program, which typically takes four years. Alternatively, candidates with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits may be eligible for UST’s ABSN program, which allows you to graduate in as few as 12 months.
Within a few months of graduation, you’ll take the NCLEX-RN, a national licensure exam. After passing the NCLEX, you can obtain your state-issued RN license.
Forensic nursing is not typically an entry-level specialty, although requirements and hiring preferences differ from one hospital to the next. Most recent grads can expect to need some clinical experience before transferring into the forensic nursing specialty.
Look for relevant roles, such as ER nursing. While gaining experience, focus on honing your hard and soft clinical skills, including patient assessments and a compassionate bedside manner. Finally, after you’ve worked as an RN for at least a year or two, you can start looking for opportunities to move into forensic nursing.
Advanced Training and Certification Options in Forensic Nursing
Advanced training and certifications are helpful for career advancement and for forensic nurses who want to develop specialty-specific skills and better serve their patients.
Utilize resources like forensic nursing training courses, workshops, and other programs from professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN).
The IAFN also offers the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certification for forensic nurses who wish to specialize in working with victims of sexual assault. The SANE-A certification is for adult examinations, while the SANE-P certification is for pediatrics.
Additional certifications are available from the Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB), such as the Generalist Forensic Nurse (GFN-C) and Advanced Forensic Nurse (AFN-C). There are also sub-specialty options in areas like interpersonal violence strangulation evaluation.
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Career Outlook, Advancement, and Specialization Opportunities
The career outlook for all types of RNs is favorable for the foreseeable future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for RNs is projected to be 5% from 2024 through 2034, faster than the average for all professions.
Forensic nurses interested in career growth may benefit by pursuing an advanced degree. Graduate degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice, provide a pathway toward leadership or advanced practice positions.
Similarly, forensic nurses can pursue specialized roles within this subfield. Some examples include:
- Forensic clinical nurse specialist: Develops and implements policies and programs pertaining to victims of violence
- Forensic nurse death investigator: Works on cases involving suspicious deaths by aiding coroners and medical examiners
- Forensic psychiatric nurse: Specializes in working with individuals with mental health disorders
- SANE: Specializes in working with victims of sexual assault, including collecting forensic evidence
Pursue a Future in Forensic Nursing at UST
No matter which nursing specialty interests you, you can build a solid foundation for your future career at the University of St. Thomas. Our hybrid online ABSN program offers flexible, accessible nursing education, with three locations in Houston, Texas, and three start dates per year. As a Catholic university, we emphasize care of the human person and uphold the dignity of others in all circumstances. We welcome students of all backgrounds and faiths, guiding future nurses in becoming ethical leaders who serve patients with integrity.
Contact an admissions advisor today to learn more about the accelerated BSN at UST.