Forensic Nursing is the application of nursing science to public or legal proceedings; the application of the forensic aspects of health care combined with the bio-psycho-social education of the registered nurse in the scientific investigation and treatment of trauma and/or death of victims and perpetrators of abuse, violence, criminal activity and traumatic accidents.
The forensic nurse provides direct services to individual clients, consultation services to nursing, medical and law related agencies, as well as providing expert court testimony in areas dealing with trauma and/or questioned death investigative processes, adequacy of services delivery and specialized diagnoses of specific conditions as related to nursing.
Educational Requirements
- The educational requirements for forensic nursing depend on the setting in which one intends to work.
Salary Ranges
- Since there are so many different roles that nurses can get involved in with forensic nursing, it is impossible to give an accurate salary range. Each specialty has it’s own range. The option for forensic nurses to work as entrepreneurs is becoming more realistic.
Resources
- International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences
- American College of Forensic Examiners
- Emergency Nurses Association
Source: Pennsylvania State Nurses Association
