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Forensic Nursing Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Utilize knowledge on collecting and managing forensic evidence with SAEC and DFSA kits. * Interact and collaborate with medical and nursing staff, law enforcement, and other agencies as needed.

He/She is accountable for the practice of forensic nursing as defined by state and national guidelines, the Ohio Revised Code, and the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN)

He/She is accountable for the practice of forensic nursing as defined by state and national guidelines, the Ohio Revised Code, and the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN)

He/She is accountable for the practice of forensic nursing as defined by state and national guidelines, the Ohio Revised Code, and the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN)

He/She is accountable for the practice of forensic nursing as defined by state and national guidelines, the Ohio Revised Code, and the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN)

He/She is accountable for the practice of forensic nursing as defined by state and national guidelines, the Ohio Revised Code, and the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN)

He/She is accountable for the practice of forensic nursing as defined by state and national guidelines, the Ohio Revised Code, and the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN)

He/She is accountable for the practice of forensic nursing as defined by state and national guidelines, the Ohio Revised Code, and the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN)

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Forensic Nursing information

See Ohio salary details

$15

$29

$49

How much do forensic nursing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic nursing in Ohio is $29.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $35.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic nursing?

Forensic nursing is a specialized field that blends healthcare with the legal system. Forensic nurses provide care to victims of trauma or violence, such as sexual assault, domestic abuse, or elder neglect, while collecting evidence that may be used in court. They often work closely with law enforcement and legal professionals, and may be called to testify as expert witnesses. This role requires strong clinical skills, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of legal procedures. Forensic nurses play a crucial role in both supporting victims and ensuring justice.

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, and an active RN license. Familiarity with evidence collection protocols, legal documentation systems, and specialized certifications such as SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) are typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and emotional resilience are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure accurate evidence handling, compassionate patient care, and effective collaboration with legal and healthcare teams during sensitive investigations.

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

Forensic nurses often work closely with law enforcement officers and legal teams to collect, document, and preserve evidence from victims of trauma or abuse. They may be asked to provide expert testimony in court, submit detailed reports, and participate in case reviews. Effective communication and meticulous attention to detail are essential, as their work often plays a crucial role in criminal investigations and prosecutions. This collaboration requires sensitivity, professionalism, and a clear understanding of legal procedures.

What is the difference between Forensic Nursing vs Forensic Science?

AspectForensic NursingForensic Science
Required CredentialsRegistered Nursing License (RN), possibly certifications in forensic or sexual assault nursingBachelor's or Master's in Forensic Science, Crime Scene Investigation, or related fields
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, forensic units, law enforcement agencies
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, law enforcement, forensic hospitals
Common Search/ComparisonYes

Forensic Nursing focuses on providing healthcare and collecting evidence in legal cases, often working directly with victims. Forensic Science involves analyzing physical evidence in labs to support criminal investigations. While both fields support the justice system, Forensic Nursing emphasizes patient care and evidence collection, whereas Forensic Science centers on laboratory analysis.

Can an RN be a forensic nurse?

Yes, a registered nurse (RN) can become a forensic nurse by obtaining specialized training in forensic science, evidence collection, and legal procedures. Forensic nurses often work in hospitals, clinics, or law enforcement settings and may pursue certifications such as the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) credential.

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 in this field.

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Forensic Nursing jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Forensic Nursing job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Nursing job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,239 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Forensic Registered Nurse (RN) - Forensic Nursing - St. Vincent Medical Center

Toledo, OH • On-site


Bon Secours Mercy Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 477 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

420th of 895 rated healthcare providers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Mercy Health

Intro paragraph

Mercy Health

Who we are

We believe your best is yet to come. At Mercy Health, we celebrate the human side of health care, uniting individuals from all walks of life in giving good help to those in need. We'll ask a lot of you, but we'll give a lot back, as well. Whether you're called to bedside care, patient support, community service or operations and administration, there's a place for you here. Because if there's one thing we know for certain, it's that good works start with great people. We'll support and empower you to bring your best - in service of our patients and our Mission.

Forensic Registered Nurse (RN) - St. Vincent Medical Center

Job Summary:

The Forensic Registered Nurse (RN) has a specialized education and training who, with increasing independence, utilizes the nursing process, current evidence-based clinical knowledge, and the International Association of Forensic Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA & IAFN 2016) to provide professional nursing care for patients across the life-span who have been affected by crime, unlawful acts, trauma, and intentional and unintentional harm. The Forensic Nurse integrates knowledge of nursing science, criminal justice, public health, and forensic science and utilizes a trauma-informed approach to assess the medical-legal needs of patients, collaborate with health team members to coordinate patient care, anticipate the outcomes of nursing interventions, and set criteria for the quality of patient care.

Essential Functions:

  • In collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team, conducts initial and ongoing patient assessment, analyzes assessment data, creates a plan of care, implements treatment, and evaluates treatment effectiveness and safety planning throughout the process and at discharge.- Administers medications in a safe manner, consistent with the State of Practice and Bon Secours Mercy Health policies and procedures- Serves as point of contact for patients' care coordination throughout hospital departments.- Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams composed of medical professionals, community and system-based advocates, social services workers, faith community leaders, law enforcement, and legal practitioners.

  • Maintains departmental quality assurance through active participation in monthly peer and case reviews, ensuring all forensic documentation and care align with ANA and IAFN (2016) standards.- Applies the nursing process to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations affected by violence and trauma, through identification, management, and prevention of intentional and unintentional injuries and death.- Applies nursing practice to the care of individuals across the lifespan and integrates forensic and nursing sciences in the assessment and care of populations affected by physical, psychological, or social violence, trauma, or death including, but not limited to, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, physical abuse, maltreatment, and neglect, elder abuse and vulnerable persons, and violence resulting in injury or death- Provides episodic care for populations affected by trauma, including those legally defined as victims, suspects, the accused, and perpetrators.- Acts as a patient safety advocate by participating in ongoing quality improvement in the department.- Assesses the need for and implements unit-based activities (quality assessment, in-services, etc.).- Provides education to patients, staff, communities, and populations in the prevention, detection, and treatment of the effects of violence.- Accepts responsibility and accountability for ethical/legal functioning.

  • Facility Travel: Must be available and willing to travel to and provide services at multiple hospital facilities within the system's service area as scheduled or required by patient need.- BSMH nurses are expected to practice and deliver care in accordance with the core concepts and intention of the BSMH Nursing Professional Practice Model. This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science Nursing (required)

Required Licensing & Certifications:

  • Current RN license in state they are working or covered by compact (required)

  • Valid State Driver's License (required) BLS Basic Life Support (preferred upon hire, required to obtain from an approved source prior to providing direct patient care)Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) - International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) (obtained in one year)Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric (SANE-P) - International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) (obtained in one year)

  • General/Advanced Forensic Nursing Certification (GFN-C) (AFN-C) (obtained in one year)

Experience:

  • 2 years of RN experience (required)

Skills & Abilities:

  • Assigns patient care according to the nursing skill, knowledge, and scope of practice of staff.- Orients, facilitates learning experience, and provides education (based upon quality improvement indicators, outcomes, and implementation) to nursing staff and others.- Possesses clinical knowledge, skills, and competency to provide evidence-based patient care in accordance with the current standards of practice, policy and procedure, and BSMH mission.- Performs comprehensive assessment of patient's clinical condition and psychosocial needs of the patient and their supportive resources.- Safely and efficiently develops, implements, and prioritizes plan of care.- Application of the nursing process in patient care delivery.- Assesses patient's physical and emotional responses to treatment to evaluate effectiveness of intervention and patient outcomes; revises plan of care accordingly.- Assists patient and family in coping with patient's illness.- Collaborates with others in the delivery of coordinated patient care.- Strong interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.

Training:

  • International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) didactic training for Sexual Assault Nurse

  • Examiner/Forensic Nursing program (obtained in one year)

  • Generalist/Advanced Forensic Nursing didactic course (obtained in one year)

  • Pediatric/Adolescent/Adult Case Review

As a Bon Secours Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being-personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

  • Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)

  • Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts

  • Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders

  • Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Bon secours Mercy Health - Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours - Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com . If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com



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