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Forensic Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Nurse Examiner (PT) - Mount Clemens, MI This is a part-time position working 8:00am -8:00pm two days per week. Organization Overview: Turning Point, Inc in Mount Clemens, MI is a non-profit, ...

Forensic Nurse Examiner (PT) - Mount Clemens, MI This is a part-time position working 8:00am -8:00pm two days per week. Organization Overview: Turning Point, Inc in Mount Clemens, MI is a non-profit, ...

A Forensic Nurse Examiner is a registered nurse who has received special training to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, and patient-centered care to victims of violence. The services provided ...

Overview A Forensic Nurse Examiner is a registered nurse who has received special training to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, and patient-centered care to victims of violence. The services ...

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Forensic Nurse information

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$51

How much do forensic nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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.

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.

What does a forensic nurse 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic nurse?

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.

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 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.

How much do forensic nurses do?

Forensic nurses provide specialized care to victims of violence and abuse, collect evidence, and document injuries for legal cases. Their responsibilities often include conducting assessments, maintaining detailed records, and collaborating with law enforcement, typically working in hospitals, clinics, or forensic facilities with certifications like the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).

What cities are hiring for Forensic Nurse jobs?

Cities with the most Forensic Nurse job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Nurse jobs?

The most popular types of Forensic Nurse jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Forensic Nurse jobs?

The top employers for Forensic Nurse jobs are:

What states have the most Forensic Nurse jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forensic Nurse jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Nurse jobs?

For Forensic Nurse jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Nurse job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,466 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Forensic Nurse - As Needed

Hagerstown, MD • On-site

Meritus Medical Center
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

$49/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Meritus Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

 

New Pay Rate: $49.00

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.

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