Forensic nursing is a unique and growing specialty within the healthcare field that blends medical expertise with the justice system. First recognized in 1992, forensic nursing focuses on providing compassionate care for victims of crime, while also collecting and preserving evidence that may be vital for investigations. The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) was established the same year to support this profession, beginning with a team of nurses who specialized in sexual assault examinations.
Unlike traditional nursing, forensic nursing extends far beyond clinical care. These nurses play a critical role in bridging the gap between medicine and law, ensuring that victims are supported while justice is pursued.
A Day in the Life of a Forensic Nurse
Contrary to common belief, forensic nurses don’t spend their days exclusively in morgues or working with corpses. Instead, their work is often centered around helping survivors of trauma.
- Sexual Assault Cases: Forensic nurses are often the first to examine victims of sexual assault, documenting injuries and collecting crucial evidence for DNA testing.
- Violence and Abuse: They provide care for survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and neglect, often photographing wounds and preserving clothing for investigations.
- Emergency Response: In emergency rooms, they collect bullets or debris from shooting or stabbing victims, measure and photograph wounds, and collaborate with medical examiners if the patient does not survive.
- Counseling and Education: Some forensic nurses also counsel children involved in gun violence or train other healthcare providers to properly treat violently injured patients.
This multifaceted role makes forensic nurses essential not only in healthcare but also in public safety.
Training and Qualifications
To enter forensic nursing, the first step is becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). From there, specialized training is required, particularly as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) – often considered the entry point into the field.
Training typically includes:
- 40 hours of classroom (didactic) instruction
- 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Evidence collection techniques, including handling hair, fibers, and bodily fluid samples for DNA testing
- Courtroom testimony preparation
Many forensic nurses continue to work in hospitals, especially emergency departments, while others pursue specialized roles such as Forensic Nurse Investigators, Nurse Coroners, Legal Nurse Consultants, and Forensic Psychiatric Nurses.
Courtroom Role: Expert vs. Fact Witness
One of the most significant responsibilities of forensic nurses is testifying in court. Their testimony may fall into two categories:
- Expert Witness: Offering professional opinions to help the court understand complex medical evidence.
- Fact Witness: Presenting objective findings based solely on observed evidence, without interpretation.
Forensic nurses must always remain neutral, reporting facts without bias toward the victim or accused. This objectivity strengthens the integrity of their role in the justice system.
Tools of the Trade
Forensic nurses rely on specialized equipment to ensure accurate documentation and evidence preservation:
- Digital cameras – for photographing injuries and wounds
- Omnichrome lights – for detecting bruises beneath the skin’s surface
- Coloscopes – for magnified examinations in sexual assault cases
These tools allow nurses to capture and preserve evidence that may otherwise go unnoticed, ensuring accuracy in both medical and legal records.
The Expanding Future of Forensic Nursing
Forensic nursing is rapidly expanding as awareness of its importance grows. Areas of specialization now include:
- Forensic Nurse Specialist
- Correctional Nursing Specialist
- Forensic Gerontology Specialist
- Forensic Psychiatric Nurse
With increasing demand, nursing schools worldwide are now offering Forensic Nurse Programs to meet the need for professionals in this field. As more nurses enter forensic practice, survivors of trauma will receive better care, and legal systems will benefit from stronger medical evidence.
Conclusion
Forensic nursing is far more than a career—it is a mission to support survivors, protect vulnerable populations, and strengthen the connection between healthcare and justice. These professionals stand at the crossroads of compassion and accountability, ensuring that every victim receives not only medical care but also a voice in the legal system.