What Is a Forensic Nurse: Role, Duties, and Employment

Forensic nursing is a specialized field that combines the medical and legal aspects of patient care. Forensic nurses are crucial in bridging the gap between healthcare and the justice system. Let’s learn more about what is a forensic nurse, their duties, case types, and  typical employers in this field. 

What is a forensic nurse? 

A forensic nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who is trained to provide specialized care for patients who are survivors of trauma, violence, and abuse. They possess both medical expertise and a deep understanding of the legal system, allowing them to collect evidence, provide medical testimony, and support patients through the judicial process. Forensic nurses ensure that patients receive comprehensive care while also preserving the integrity of evidence that may be used in legal proceedings. 

Duties of a forensic nurse 

Forensic nurses have a diverse range of duties that can vary depending on their specific role and the setting in which they work. Common responsibilities include: 

Medical care, evidence collection, and advocacy 

• Providing medical care: Forensic nurses provide care to patients who have experienced trauma or violence. This includes treating injuries, managing pain, and addressing any psychological needs. 
• Collecting evidence: They’re trained to meticulously collect and preserve physical evidence from patients, such as swabs, hair samples, and clothing, which can be critical in criminal investigations. 
• Documenting injuries: These nurses precisely document injuries through detailed notes and photographs, which can be used as evidence in court.  
• Patient advocacy and support: Serving as advocates for patients' rights and well-being, forensic nurses provide emotional support and resources. 

Legal collaboration and testimony 

• Working with law enforcement: Collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies, forensic nurses provide them with the necessary medical evidence and expert opinions. 
• Testifying in court: They may be called upon to testify in court as expert witnesses, providing objective, factual information about medical aspects of a case. 

Types of cases forensic nurses handle 

Forensic nurses often manage cases involving survivors of violence, abuse, and trauma. Some of the common types of cases include: 

Sexual assault: Sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) are forensic nurses that are specially trained to care for survivors of sexual assault, conduct forensic examinations, and collect evidence such as DNA samples and clothing. SANEs provide compassionate care — addressing both physical and psychological needs — and offer support throughout the legal process. 

Domestic violence: Forensic nurses are skilled at recognizing signs of domestic violence, including physical injuries and psychological trauma. They provide medical care, document injuries, and connect survivors with resources such as shelters and counseling services. 

Child and elder abuse: Working in pediatric settings, forensic nurses are trained to identify and document signs of child abuse, including physical injuries, neglect, and sexual abuse. They also work with older patients, recognizing signs of physical, emotional, and financial abuse, and ensure that appropriate legal action is taken. 

Human trafficking: Often involved in identifying and assisting survivors of human trafficking, forensic nurses provide medical care and collect evidence to support criminal investigations. They work with law enforcement and social services to ensure comprehensive care and support for trafficking survivors. 

Death investigations: Forensic nurse death investigators assist medical examiners and coroners in determining the cause of death, collecting evidence from the body, and documenting findings. They may also be involved in investigating death scenes, gathering information that can be crucial for determining the circumstances surrounding a death. 

Who employs forensic nurses? 

Forensic nurses can work in a variety of settings, from emergency departments to private clinics. Common employers include: 

Hospitals and medical centers 

• Emergency departments In emergency departments, these nurses provide immediate care to trauma and violence survivors, conduct forensic examinations, and collect evidence. 
• Specialized clinics: Some hospitals have specialized forensic nursing units or clinics that focus on treating survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other forms of abuse. 

Law enforcement agencies 

• Police departments: Forensic nurses may work directly with police departments, assisting in investigations, providing medical care to survivors, and collecting evidence at crime scenes. 
• Correctional facilities: They also work in jails and prisons, providing care to inmates and assisting with investigations related to inmate injuries or deaths. 
• Medical examiners and coroner offices: In these settings, forensic nurses assist with autopsies, collect evidence, and help determine the cause and manner of death. 

Legal and advocacy organizations 

• Victim advocacy groups: Forensic nurses often collaborate with organizations that support survivors of violence and abuse, providing medical care and acting as liaisons with the legal system. 
• Legal teams: They may work with legal teams to provide expert opinions, prepare case documentation, and testify in court. 

Educational institutions 

• Teaching roles: Experienced forensic nurses may work in academic settings, teaching nursing students and training future forensic nurses. 
• Research: They may also be involved in research, studying trends in violence and abuse, and developing best practices for forensic nursing care. 

Skills and qualities of a successful forensic nurse 

Forensic nurses must possess a unique set of skills and qualities to perform their duties effectively: 

• Attention to detail: Their documentation must be accurate and errorfree, and they must be meticulous when collecting evidence. 
• Compassion: Providing empathetic care to survivors of trauma and violence is necessary. 
• Communication skills: Forensic nurses must effectively communicate with patients, law enforcement, and legal professionals. 
• Critical thinking: They need to analyze complex situations and make informed decisions quickly. 
• Resilience: The nature of the work can be emotionally taxing, requiring strong coping mechanisms and self-care practices. 

Education and certification for forensic nurses 

Basic education 

• Nursing degree: Aspiring forensic nurses must first become RNs by completing an accredited nursing program, either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 
• Licensure: After completing their nursing degree, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure. 

Specialized training 

• Forensic nursing programs: Many universities and colleges offer specialized forensic nursing programs or courses. These programs provide the knowledge and skills needed to handle forensic cases, including evidence collection, legal testimony, and patient care. 
• Continuing education: Forensic nurses must engage in ongoing education to stay current with advancements in the field and maintain their certification. 

Certification 

• Certified Forensic Nurse (CFN): Certification options are available through organizations like the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). These certifications demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field. 
• SANE certification: Forensic nurses specializing in sexual assault cases can pursue SANE certification, which includes training in forensic examination and evidence collection for sexual assault survivors. 

What is a forensic nurse? A forensic nurse is a critical component in providing compassionate care to survivors of trauma and violence, while also supporting the legal system. They have a unique combination of medical and legal expertise, which makes them invaluable in various settings, from hospitals and law enforcement agencies to advocacy organizations and educational institutions. As awareness of issues like domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking grows, the demand for forensic nurses is likely to increase. Advances in forensic science and technology will also enhance the capabilities of forensic nurses, allowing them to provide even more effective care and support for survivors.