Forensic nursing deals specifically with trauma victims and keeping them calm, collecting samples, and working with police. Read on to learn more.
With the popularity of television shows like "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and other shows, more students are finding themselves interested in the world of forensics. While you might study for years before working as a forensic investigator, you can also help those working in the field by studying forensic nursing.
A forensic nurse is someone who cares for an individual who suffered some form of trauma. The nurse might work with a rape victim, victims of child abuse, or someone who took part in a crime. Forensic nursing has existed for years, but it has only recently gained popularity.
Forensic nurses are responsible for gathering evidence that the investigation team might use in the lab or the courtroom, and they must also treat the patients. In some cases, the law might require that the nurse testify in the courtroom. These nurses also work directly with law enforcement.
If you decide to specialize in forensic nursing, you must learn how to keep patients calm and treat any injuries while still helping the investigation.
When you search for information on how to be a forensic nurse, you might discover that you need to obtain your nursing license first. Nurses typically go through a two- to four- year program during which they learn the fundamentals of the medical field. After completing your degree program, you need to obtain your nursing license by taking an exam. You also need a forensic nursing certificate, which you can only get after receiving your nursing license.
Don't have a nursing license? Or are you ready to switch to forensic nursing? Classes begin soon. Find your nursing program and apply today!
Forensic nursing requirements typically involve some experience in the field. While you can find forensic nursing programs online, you also need to do internships or clinical rotations in a hospital or medical facility. If you want to attend an online forensic nursing school, make sure that the program offers a combination of classroom activities and on-site activities.
Some nursing programs also let you pick a specialty. You might work directly with sexual assault victims, elder abuse victims, corrections or domestic violence. When you specialize in a specific field, you only work with patients who fall under that category. For example, a sexual assault forensic nurse won't work with elder abuse victims and vice-versa. Some on-call nurses work in a medical facility and travel to a site of natural disasters to provide relief.
Those who are unfamiliar with this field might question what is a forensic nurse. Reply! cannot only help you understand what you might experience in the nursing field, but also what jobs you might qualify for after your studies.
Forensic nursing is a specialized field that not all hospitals use, but you might find there are more job opportunities in larger cities and medical settings.
Learn forensic nursing skills. Find local and online nursing classes now!
Photo credit: forensic investigator by West Midlands Police via Compfight CC.