Forensic Nurse
A Forensic Nurse provides nursing care with a focus on patients who are the victims of trauma, violence, or abuse. They may collect evidence and provide expert testimony in legal cases.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Forensic Nurse
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A forensic nurse provides specialized care for patients who are experiencing acute and long-term health consequences associated with victimization or violence, and assists in the collection and preservation of evidence for legal purposes.
Required Skills
- Excellent clinical skills with attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle sensitive issues professionally.
- Knowledge of legal and medical documentation requirements.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program.
- Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment.
- Completion of a forensic nursing certificate program or willingness to enroll in one.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
Responsibilities
- Perform patient assessments and evaluations with a focus on trauma and victimization.
- Collect, document, and preserve forensic evidence for criminal cases.
- Provide compassionate care to victims of assault, abuse, or neglect.
- Work collaboratively with law enforcement and legal professionals in investigations.
- Advocate for patients’ rights and provide referrals to appropriate community resources.
- Maintain confidentiality and practice in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A Forensic Nurse is a registered nurse with specialized training in forensic science, responsible for caring for victims of crime, collecting evidence, and consulting on criminal cases. This role combines clinical nursing practice with the law enforcement aspect of the criminal justice system.
Required Skills
- Forensic evidence collection and handling
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system and legal procedures
- Clinical nursing skills and expertise
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent documentation and reporting skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Qualifications
- Active registered nursing license and compliance with state regulatory requirements
- Completion of a graduate forensic nursing program or a forensic nursing certificate
- At least 2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role, preferably with some exposure to forensic or emergency settings
- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including law enforcement
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Compassion, empathy, and the ability to provide care to victims in distress
Responsibilities
- Provide compassionate care to victims of assault, abuse, and other crimes
- Perform physical examinations and collect forensic evidence
- Document injuries and observations to support legal processes
- Testify as an expert witness in court when required
- Work closely with law enforcement and legal teams to provide information and expert opinions
- Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards at all times
- Engage in continuous education to stay informed of latest practices in forensic science and nursing
- Assist in the development of policies and protocols related to forensic nursing
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A Senior Forensic Nurse is specialized in caring for patients who are experiencing acute and long-term health consequences associated with victimization or violence, and in the forensic investigation of such incidents. They play a critical role in bridging the gap between law enforcement and medicine.
Required Skills
- Exceptional clinical skills in various health and emergency settings.
- Strong documentation and reporting skills.
- Excellent communication skills for interfacing with patients, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement.
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
- Compassionate and patient-centered approach.
- Skilled in evidence collection and preservation techniques.
- Strong advocacy and education skills.
Qualifications
- Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Certification as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or equivalent.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in clinical nursing, with a focus on forensic or emergency care.
- Experience working with victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma.
- Experience in collecting and handling forensic evidence.
- Knowledge of legal procedures related to healthcare.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide specialized nursing care to patients who are victims of trauma and abuse.
- Collect and secure evidence from patients for legal proceedings.
- Work closely with legal authorities to ensure proper chain of custody is maintained for collected evidence.
- Document the patient's condition and injuries with a high level of detail.
- Offer expert testimony in court cases as required.
- Educate and train other nursing staff on forensic protocols and procedures.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to improve care for victims of violence and abuse.
- Conduct forensic examinations and assessments.
- Ensure compliance with health and legal standards in the process of collecting and handling evidence.
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