Common Responsibilities of Forensic RNs

For Registered Nurses (RNs) seeking to specialize in a less traditional nursing field, forensic nursing offers an exciting and fulfilling career path. As with any nursing career track, becoming a forensic RN requires earning a nursing degree, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtaining an RN license. However, the rewards of pursuing this specialty early in your career can be significant.

What is Forensic Nursing?

Forensic nursing is a relatively new and rapidly growing field that combines nursing expertise with forensic science. Forensic nurses provide specialized care and support to victims of violent crimes, such as assault, rape, and homicide. They also play a crucial role in legal proceedings by collecting evidence and providing expert testimony.

Typical Responsibilities of Forensic Nurses

Before embarking on a forensic nursing career, it's important to understand the responsibilities that come with it. Forensic nurses typically handle a range of duties, including:

1. Assessment and Evaluation: Forensic nurses often work on response teams that are called to crime scenes to assist victims. They assess physical and psychological traumas suffered by victims and determine the appropriate course of treatment and referrals.
2. Evidence Collection and Documentation: Forensic nurses play a critical role in collecting and preserving evidence that can be used in legal proceedings. They use techniques like forensic photography and sample collection to document injuries, gather physical evidence, and maintain the chain of custody.
3. Treatment and Referrals: Forensic nurses are trained to provide immediate treatment to victims at crime scenes, as well as to refer them for ongoing care, including physical, psychological, and psychiatric treatment.
4. Expert Testimony: Due to their training in criminal law, victimology, forensic mental health, and perpetrator theory, forensic nurses are often called upon to provide expert testimony in court proceedings. They may be called as fact witnesses, recounting their firsthand observations, or as expert witnesses, offering their professional opinions based on the evidence.

Key Takeaways

Forensic nursing offers a challenging and rewarding career path for RNs seeking to specialize in a unique and impactful field. The demand for forensic nurses is growing rapidly, ensuring excellent job security and opportunities for advancement. With sub-specializations in forensic psychiatric nursing, sexual assault, medical-legal consulting, and death investigation, forensic nursing provides a versatile and exciting career path for compassionate and skilled RNs.