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Forensic Nurse Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Inova Fairfax Hospital is looking for a dedicated Forensic Nurse Examiner to join the team. This role will be full-time, 3-12 hour nights; weekend rotations per 8-week period; holiday requirement: 1 ...

Inova Fairfax Hospital is looking for a dedicated Forensic Nurse Examiner to join the team. This role will be full-time, 3-12 hour nights; weekend rotations per 8-week period; holiday requirement: 1 ...

Inova Fairfax Hospital is looking for a dedicated Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) to join the team. This role will be part-time; days & shifts may vary based on department needs. 3-4 weekend night ...

Child Abuse Pediatrician (MD/DO)

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$181K - $234K/yr

Our forensic nurse examiners provide 24/7 coverage for sexual assault and abuse, DV/IPV and strangulation cases. We work closely with local child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams to ...

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Forensic Nurse information

See Reston, VA salary details

$17

$32

$53

How much do forensic nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic nurse in Reston, VA is $32.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.99 and $39.28 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 are popular job titles related to Forensic Nurse jobs in Reston, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Forensic Nurse jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Nurse jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Forensic Nurse jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Forensic Nurse job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Nurse job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,108 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE)

Falls Church, VA • On-site


Inova
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Inova Fairfax Hospital is looking for a dedicated Forensic Nurse Examiner to join the team. This role will be full-time, 3-12 hour nights; weekend rotations per 8-week period; holiday requirement: 1 holiday per year (9 hours). Office Hours: 24/7. Travel requirement: Inova Fairfax Hospital; 2740 Prosperity; 4700 King Street; Inova Loudoun Hospital - Cornwall. Main location will start shift at 2740 Prosperity, then go to Fairfax Hospital after 7:00 PM and on weekends; possible coverage when needed at our satellite locations to King Street or Cornwall.

The Ewing Forensic Assessment and Consultation Teams (FACT) Program forensic nurse examiner (FNE) is a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) responsible for responding to requests for forensic medical examinations of the alleged sexually assaulted/ physically abused patient and/or suspect evidence collection.

Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation. 

Featured Benefits:

  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions - starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
  • Work/Life Balance: offering paid time off, paid parental leave, & flexible work schedules.

Forensic Nurse Examiner Job Responsibilities:

  • Utilizes standards, guidelines and pathways for care delivery while determining process for delivery of care from direct patient and family communication, technology and other healthcare team member collaboration.
  • Provides safe and therapeutic care in a holistic and systematic way while incorporating differences into the provision of care. Conducts all patient care in a patient and family centered manner. Arrives within the necessary defined timeframe for each request.
  • Responds to all subpoenas on cases examined as a sexual assault nurse examiner.
  • Participates in any sexual assault/physical violence research projects. Assists with lectures/presentations to medical staff, nurses, law enforcement agencies and community groups.
  • Develops and adheres to sexual assault policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines. Participates in the documentation and evaluation processes with colleagues and leadership.
  • Supports/empowers patients and families as they progress through the healthcare continuum from health promotion to end of life decisions.
  • Provides validation of clinical decisions for other staff members and seeks validation from others for complex patients or unfamiliar situations.
  • Works collaboratively and demonstrates respect for and an understanding of other clinical disciplines.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor's Degree Nursing or Associate's Degree. If RN has an Associate's Degree, within 2 years of date of hire, they must meet with their nurse leader and conduct the following: 1.) Identify which accredited school they plan to attend 2.) Provide a written plan with anticipated BSN completion date 3.) Submit a review of transcripts from the school indicating the required pre-requisites and timeline for taking the courses 4.) Complete BSN within 5 years of the start date.
  • Experience: 6 months of RN experience
  • Certifications/Licensures:   BLS for Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association required; Licensed or eligible for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Registered Nurse or an active multi-state Registered Nurse license

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience: Experience in forensic nursing at Inova Health
  • Certifications: SANE (both adult & pediatric) course completion required within 30 days of hire.
  • Special Background: Fingerprinting 
  • Other: Flexibility, Critical thinking, compassion, teamwork, emotional intelligence, active listening, must be comfortable speaking in from of an audience (specifically in a courtroom)

We are Inova, Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 26,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better - to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare. 

Inova Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.



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