Forensic Nurse Job Description Template
The Forensic Nurse is responsible for providing direct patient care in a wide variety of settings and will serve as a liaison between the medical and legal communities. The Forensic Nurse will conduct physical and psychological assessments, provide crisis intervention, and make referrals to appropriate resources. The Forensic Nurse will also collect evidence, document findings, and testify in court when necessary.
Forensic Nurse Job Responsibilities
- Collect and document evidence from crime scenes
- Perform forensic examinations on victims of crime
- Assist in the autopsy process
- Identify and document injuries sustained by victims of crime
- Work with law enforcement to investigate crimes
- Testify in court as an expert witness
Objectives
- To provide quality nursing care to patients in a forensic setting.
- To promote a safe and secure environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
- To protect the rights of patients and ensure their privacy is respected.
- To collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to provide comprehensive care.
- To educate patients and their families about their health condition and treatment options.
Forensic Nurse Job Skills & Qualifications Needed
- A forensic nurse is a registered nurse who has specialized training in forensics, which is the application of science to criminal and civil laws. Forensic nurses work with victims and perpetrators of violence, providing medical care, psychological support and collecting evidence. They may also testify in court as expert witnesses.
- In order to become a forensic nurse, one must first obtain a nursing degree from an accredited institution. After obtaining a nursing license, nurses can then pursue advanced education and training in forensics through specialty programs at the undergraduate or graduate level. Many forensic nurses also obtain certification through professional organizations such as the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN).