What is Forensic Nursing?

If you find solving mysteries challenging and you`re interested in victim advocacy then consider the challenging field of forensic nursing. Forensic nurses may be called to a crime scene or accident to work with detectives, collect evidence, and take tissue and blood samples. Forensic nurses treat survivors of assaults or violent accidents, and victims of negligence, abuse, or violent crimes. The job is fast-paced and exciting, with real issues at stake.

Forensic Nurses can pursue a wide array of exciting career opportunities, including positions in medical examiners` offices, law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, and specialized hospital units. Forensic nurses may work with detectives and treat survivors of assaults or accidents, and victims of abuse or crimes.

The History of Forensic Nursing

Forensic Nursing is a relatively new field, however, nurses have worked with sexual assault and abuse cases now for many years. The term "Forensic Nursing" was first coined in the early 1990`s, 1992 to be exact, when a group of 70 nurses gathered for the first national convention of sexual assault nurses. Nurses in this field found that they had a lot in common, and were eager to share more of their knowledge with one another. Shortly after this convention, the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IFAN) was formed. In 1995, Forensic Nursing was first recognized by the American Nurses Association in 1995 as being a specialty of nursing.

The Role of the Forensic Nurse

Forensic Nurses work with law enforcement to collect evidence at crime and accident scenes. Care for survivors of assaults or violent accidents, and victims of negligence, abuse, or violent crimes. Forensic nurses may identify injuries and/or death and their causes, preserve and document the chain of custody, and refer victims for appropriate follow-up care.

Forensic Nurses frequently appear as expert witnesses and fact witnesses during trials. Expert witnesses are allowed to give their opinion, while fact witnesses may only state facts as related to the case. A judge will determine whether the forensics nurse is to serve as an expert or fact witness. Forensic nurses are often used in trials to present information in an objective way; they are there not to support either the victim or the accused, but rather to present the facts of an investigation.

Specialty areas within forensic nursing include Forensic Clinical Nurse Specialist, Forensic Nurse Investigator, Nurse Coroner/Death Investigator, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Legal Nurse Consultant, Forensic Gerontology Specialist, Forensic Psychiatric Nurse, and Correctional Nursing Specialist.

How to Become a Forensic Nurse

Registered Nurses interested in the specialty practice of Forensic Nursing should complete an accredited education program that complies with the standards of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IFAN) such as the online Forensic Nursing Certificate program offered by Kaplan University.

Forensic Nursing Education Courses Include:

• Forensic Physical Assessment and Evidence Collection
• Forensic Psychological Assessment, Interview, Report Writing
• Death Investigation
• The Courtroom Experience
• Crisis Intervention and the Planning and Implementation of Follow-Up Care

In addition to courses such as those mentioned above, Forensic Nurses also learn how to use digital cameras, specialized microscopes, and other high-tech gadgets used by their specialty.

Earn Your Forensic Nursing Certificate Online

Kaplan University offers an Online Forensic Nurse Certificate Program that can usually be completed in less than one year. Kaplan University is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, an accreditation commission formally recognized by the United States Department of Education, and Kaplan University offers a number of financial aid opportunities including grants, loans, and scholarships for students, and qualifies for most employer tuition reimbursement programs.(Learn More »)

The College Network

Online

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Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies

Online

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.

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Walden University

Online

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Campus

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University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

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Roseman University

Online

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Independence University

Campus

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Salt Lake City

University of St. Mary

Online

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Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

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California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

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American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

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West Coast University

Campus

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Career Colleges of America

Campus

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Carrington College California

Campus

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Western International University

Online

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Argosy University Online

Campus

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Phoenix

Argosy University

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

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Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

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Addison

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

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Concorde

Campus

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Campus

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Fairfield

The University of Liverpool

Campus

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Online

Grand Canyon University

Campus

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Phoenix

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Campus

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Institute of Technology

Campus

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Redding

Summit College

Campus

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Rasmussen College Online

Online

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Online

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Ashworth College

Campus

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Norcross

Keiser University Graduate School

Campus

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Fort Lauderdale

Everest University Online

Campus

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Virginia College

Campus

Virginia College Online continues the tradition ofgiving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement tostudents wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue adegree while maintaining commitments to work and family.

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Birmingham

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

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Post University

Campus

Getting your Online degree does not have to be impersonal. At Post University Online, you will engage in meaningful career-oriented programs with like-minded students and receive personal attention from our dedicated faculty within a caring and supportive learning environment. Earn your bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or certificate in one of the many programs offered by Post University entirely online.

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Waterbury

Western Governors University

Campus

At Western Governors University, your competence - the knowledge and skills you possess - is the ultimate focus of every degree program.

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San Francisco

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

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Ontario
Riverside
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Colorado Technical University Online

Campus

Take your career to new heights with Colorado Tech Online! Since 1965, Colorado Technical University has helped thousands of students achieve success in business, management and technology careers. Learn more today.

Programs:

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Colorado Springs

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

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Fresno
Concord
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Baker College Online

Campus

Baker College Online is fully accredited and offers over 40 programs that will help you earn your Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate degree affordably. Learn more now.

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Lisle

Northcentral University

Campus

Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University. We offer online doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs in education, behavioral and health sciences, and business.

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Prescott Valley

Everest College Phoenix

Online

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ITT Technical Institute

Campus

The ITT Technical Institutes offer programs in some of today's hottest technical areas. With over 100 locations nationwide and several online programs available, the ITT Techs are one of the leading providers of technology education. Each ITT Tech offers convenient class schedules and Career Services are offered to help you find a job.

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Lathrop
Anaheim
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Clovis
San Diego
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Oxnard
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Torrance
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UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

San Bernardino
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Gardena

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

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Campus Locations:

Chicago

CBD College

Campus

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Los Angeles

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

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Fort Lauderdale

ITT - Online

Campus

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Programs:

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Indianapolis

South University Online

Campus

Designed with the needs of working adult students in mind, South University, Online Programs is built on the same curriculum offered at South University's campus locations. As a student at South University, Online Programs you will receive the same degree, quality instruction, variety of learning options and level of service found at the campus locations.

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Savannah