1

Forensic Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Job Title Tex-TRAC Forensic Nurse Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center Department College Of Nursing Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Bryan, Texas Job Type Staff Our ...

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 ...

Job Title Tex-TRAC Forensic Nurse Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center Department College Of Nursing Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Bryan, Texas Job Type Staff Our ...

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 ...

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 ...

Forensic Nurse New Pay Rate: $49.00 The Forensic Nurse provides comprehensive, trauma-informed forensic nursing care to victims of violence across the lifespan who present to Meritus Health. This ...

Forensic Nurse Job Title: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Department name: All Departments Reports to: Rapid SAVE Investigation-SANE Program Coordinator JOB PURPOSE: The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE ...

Forensic Nurse Job Title: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Department name: All Departments Reports to: Rapid SAVE Investigation-SANE Program Coordinator JOB PURPOSE: The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forensic Nurse information

See salary details

$16

$31

$51

How much do forensic nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,466 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Forensic Nurse

Haven Oakland

Pontiac, MI • On-site

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

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, comprehensive, medical-forensic exams and care to sexual assault and intimate partner violence patients at HAVEN. This is primarily a night and weekend on-call position. We seek to reflect the diverse community we serve and be a welcoming, inclusive space for all. Applicants from diverse experiences, backgrounds, and identities are encouraged to apply.

Under the guidance of the START Program Director and Senior Forensic Nurses, the Forensic Nurse Examiner will interact both in-person and via phone with patients needing urgent medical services and ensure that critical information and communication is provided to the patients in a reassuring, clear, and appropriate manner.

Essential Duties:

  • Assists and supports in the management of the HAVEN/START program.
  • Works as a team with First Response Advocates to implement trauma informed best practices.
  • Performs comprehensive medical forensic examinations of sexual assault and intimate partner violence patients, including the preparation and reporting of examination results.
  • Attends at a minimum of 8 monthly START team meetings.
  • Acts as a subject matter expert and participates in legal proceedings including providing expert witness testimony, as needed.
  • Promotes greater awareness of services for both patients and a wide variety of professionals.
  • Advocates for patients of sexual assault and domestic violence.
  • Assists with patient satisfaction surveys and program evaluations.
  • Ensures adherence to HAVEN policies and START practice guidelines and compliance requirements.
  • Works as a team with internal HAVEN programs and external business partners to collaborate on building awareness initiatives.
  • Maintain equipment and supplies in examination room during and after use.
  • Maintain records and statistics, as required by state and federal laws.
  • Participate in ongoing competency and evaluations at the discretion of the Director.
  • Respond to all subpoenas for exams performed while employed with START.
  • All other duties as assigned.

HAVEN's Mission Statement: Empower survivors to heal and engage all individuals and communities to address and prevent sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

HAVEN is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status or any other characteristic protected by state and/or federal law.

Requirements:

  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of sexual assault and intimate partner issues from an empowerment philosophy.
  • Knowledge of forensic evidence collection best practices.
  • Excellent written and interpersonal skills required.
  • Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to women, men, and cultural diversity issues, preferred.
  • Outstanding organizational skills.
  • Degree in Nursing required.
  • Registered Nurse with current MI license required.
  • SANE-A training, on-line (or equivalent), required.
  • Forensic examiner must be on-call a minimum of 52 hours per month. These hours may include a combination of 24-hour weekend shifts, 12-hour weekend shifts, or 14-hour weekday shifts. Shifts must equal a combined total of 52 hours.
  • Each forensic examiner must also be on-call at least 36 hours of holiday time each calendar year, with at least 12 of those hours on one of the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve night (6:00 PM to 6:00 AM), and New Year's Day.
  • Must be able to respond in person to patients in Oakland County with 1 hours' notice.
  • Must have valid, unrestricted driver's license and a clear driving record.
  • Must be willing to complete and pass a comprehensive background check.

Core Competencies:

  • Able to provide trauma informed care.
  • Detail oriented.
  • Calm, compassionate demeanor.
  • Able to be non-judgmental in their interactions with patients and their families or support persons.
  • Ability to portray confidence, expertise and integrity.
  • Ability to work and think well under pressure.