Home » Online Programs » Forensic Nursing
Forensic nursing is a specialized field of medicine that encompasses the duties of collecting criminal evidence, as well as the treatment of prisoners and victims of crime. Like other nursing specialists, a forensic nurse has completed schooling beyond an undergraduate degree. Certification programs, as well as graduate degrees, are offered to registered nurses who wish to become licensed forensic nurses.
Within the field of forensic nursing are even more specializations, including forensic nurse investigators, sexual assault forensic nurse examiners, legal nurse consultants, forensic psychiatric nurses and more. Some of these careers require a bit of detective work from a nurse, in addition to medical training. Popular television programs and films have brought forensic medicine to the attention of millions, making this field a highly sought career. Like any field in medicine, however, there is a large demand for more specialists.
Having the title of certified forensic nurse (CFN) will not only open more doors for a professional, it will greatly increase one's earning potential, as specialists typically demand a higher salary than regular nurses. Also, a CFN brings more credibility to testimony given in a court room. There are numerous opportunities available to those who study forensic medicine, particularly for nurses. This is a career with great potential for advancement.
Forensic nurses may be called to a crime scene or accident to work with detectives, to collect evidence, and to take tissue and blood samples. This is a fast-paced job, designed…