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Forensic Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Haven Oakland

Forensic Nurse

Pontiac, MI · On-site

The Safe Therapeutic Assault Response Team (START) program is seeking a Forensic Nurse Examiner to join our team. This role is responsible for providing high-quality, comprehensive, medical-forensic ...

Haven Inc

Forensic Nurse

Pontiac, MI · On-site

The Safe Therapeutic Assault Response Team (START) program is seeking a Forensic Nurse Examiner to join our team. This role is responsible for providing high-quality, comprehensive, medical-forensic ...

Haven Inc

Forensic Nurse

Pontiac, MI · On-site

The Safe Therapeutic Assault Response Team (START) program is seeking a Forensic Nurse Examiner to join our team. This role is responsible for providing high-quality, comprehensive, medical-forensic ...

Haven Oakland

Forensic Nurse

Pontiac, MI · On-site

Forensic Nurse Examiner The Safe Therapeutic Assault Response Team (START) program is seeking a Forensic Nurse Examiner to join our team. This role is responsible for providing high-quality ...

Mission Hospital

Forensic Nurse Examiner

Brevard, NC · On-site

The advanced forensic nurse examiner provides direct services to individual patients, families and consultation services to nursing, medical and community and law related agencies, as well as ...

Mission Hospital

Forensic Nurse Examiner

Hickory, NC · On-site

The advanced forensic nurse examiner provides direct services to individual patients, families and consultation services to nursing, medical and community and law related agencies, as well as ...

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How much do forensic nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic nurse in the United States is $31.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $37.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

Forensic nurses can increase their earnings by gaining specialized certifications, such as forensic examiner or sexual assault nurse examiner credentials, and working in high-demand settings like hospitals, law enforcement agencies, or private consulting. Advancing to supervisory or administrative roles, working overtime, or specializing in areas like trauma or child abuse can also boost income, but reaching $300,000 typically requires extensive experience and additional qualifications.

What are forensic nurses and what do they do?

Forensic nurses are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients who are victims of trauma, violence, or abuse, while also collecting medical evidence that may be used in legal proceedings. They perform medical examinations, document injuries, collect forensic evidence, and often provide testimony in court. Forensic nurses work closely with law enforcement and legal professionals to ensure proper handling of evidence and advocate for the physical and emotional well-being of their patients. Their roles can include sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), death investigator, or correctional nursing, depending on their training and workplace.

How do forensic nurses typically collaborate with law enforcement and legal teams during investigations?

Forensic nurses often work closely with law enforcement officers and legal professionals to collect, document, and preserve medical evidence related to crimes such as assault or abuse. They may be called upon to provide expert testimony in court, prepare detailed reports, and ensure the chain of custody for evidence is maintained. Effective communication and meticulous documentation are essential, as their findings can play a crucial role in criminal investigations and prosecutions. This collaborative environment also requires sensitivity, professionalism, and a solid understanding of both medical and legal protocols.

What can a nurse do in forensics?

A forensic nurse assesses and documents injuries, collects evidence, and provides expert testimony in legal cases involving trauma, abuse, or violence. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or law enforcement settings and require specialized training in forensic science and evidence handling.

How can I become a forensic nurse?

To become a forensic nurse, you typically need to first become a registered nurse by completing an accredited nursing program and obtaining licensure. Gaining experience in emergency or trauma care is common, followed by specialized training or certification in forensic nursing through programs like the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certification. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of legal procedures are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Forensic Nurse vs Emergency Room Nurse?

AspectForensic NurseEmergency Room Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN), Forensic Nursing Certification (optional)Registered Nurse (RN), Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, crime scenes, forensic labs, law enforcement agenciesEmergency departments, hospitals, urgent care centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement, healthcare, forensic agenciesHospitals, urgent care, trauma centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Forensic nurses specialize in collecting evidence and providing care related to crimes, often working with law enforcement. Emergency room nurses focus on immediate patient care for acute illnesses and injuries. While both are registered nurses, forensic nurses have additional training in forensic science and legal procedures, making their roles distinct yet overlapping in healthcare and legal contexts.

Is it hard to be a forensic nurse?

Forensic nursing can be challenging due to the emotional and physical demands of working with trauma victims and evidence collection. It requires specialized training, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle sensitive situations, but many find it a rewarding career for those interested in healthcare and the justice system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Nurse, you need a solid background in nursing, specialized forensic nursing training or certification (such as SANE), and a valid RN license. Familiarity with evidence collection protocols, forensic documentation systems, and legal reporting tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and compassion are critical soft skills for working with trauma victims and collaborating with law enforcement. These skills ensure accurate evidence handling, patient advocacy, and effective legal case support in sensitive and complex situations.

What Is a Forensic Nurse?

As a forensic nurse, you provide care for patients who are victims of sexual assault and other crimes. Your responsibilities during medical exams are to counsel the patient and to collect forensic evidence, such as photographs of injuries, blood, bodily fluids, and tissue samples. Your job is to practice compassionate medical care while following the principles of forensic science. Your job duties include treating patients, collecting evidence, giving expert testimony at criminal trials, and collaborating with doctors and law enforcement officials.

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Forensic Nurse jobs near you
Forensic Nurse - As Needed

Forensic Nurse - As Needed

Meritus Health

Hagerstown, MD • On-site

$47/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Meritus Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

492nd of 884 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Forensic Nurse
As Needed
The Forensic Nurse provides comprehensive, trauma-informed forensic nursing care to victims of violence across the lifespan who present to Meritus Health. This role integrates evidence-based clinical practice with forensic principles to support patient care, evidence collection, and collaboration with multidisciplinary partners involved in investigation and treatment. The Forensic Nurse maintains clinical competency and participates in ongoing education in accordance with the Maryland Board of Nursing requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide comprehensive forensic nursing care to victims of violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, abuse, and other trauma-related presentations.
  • Deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care across the lifespan in a sensitive, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed manner.
  • Conduct forensic examinations, documentation, and evidence collection in accordance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards.
  • Maintain chain of custody and ensure accurate, timely, and thorough documentation.
  • Coordinate care with a multidisciplinary team, including law enforcement, advocacy services, social work, and other healthcare providers involved in the patient's care and investigation.
  • Provide patient education, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate community resources.
  • Maintain clinical competency and participate in continuing education related to medical and forensic issues as outlined by the Maryland Board of Nursing.
  • Adhere to Meritus Health policies, procedures, and quality standards.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education - ASN required. BSN Preferred.
Experience - Minimum of one-year acute care experience preferred. Other nursing experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
Licensure/Certification - Current license to practice as Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland, or if resident of a state that participates in Nurse Multi-State Compact agreement, holds Registered Nurse license from that state that is designated as "Compact" or "Multi-State Privilege" using primary source verification and provides additional documentation as required by the Maryland Board of Nursing. RN license from a compact state with a designation of "Single State" does not meet the requirement and nurse must obtain a Maryland license. Maryland certification as an adult/adolescent forensic nurse examiner (FNE-A) through the Maryland Board of Nursing must be obtained within 6 months of completing course and certification as a pediatric forensic nurse examiner (FNE-P) within 6 months of completing course. These trainings will be provided if not already licensed. National SANE-A, SANE-P, Generalist Forensic Nurse Certified (GFN-C™) or Advanced Forensic Nurse Certified (AFN-C™) certification preferred. BLS (CPR) in compliance with policy required.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Keen analytical ability and able to pay attention to detail while using critical thinking skills. Proficient in evidence collection of victims and suspects. Able to perform forensic nursing duties in the emergency department, inpatient hospital, and community-based settings. Proficient in forensic photography. Ability to maintain objectivity and confidentiality while treating patients in a trauma-informed manner. Strong team work ethic while also able to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work in stressful environments while maintaining a professional attitude in communication with victims and perpetrators of violence and members of multi-disciplinary team. Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to serve as an expert witness and fact witness in forensic cases in the court of law.
Happy to Help
At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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