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Forensic Nursing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Inova

Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE)

Falls Church, VA · On-site

The Ewing Forensic Assessment and Consultation Teams (FACT) Program forensic nurse examiner (FNE ... Bachelor's Degree Nursing or Associate's Degree. If RN has an Associate's Degree, within 2 years of ...

Inova

Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE)

Falls Church, VA · On-site

The Ewing Forensic Assessment and Consultation Teams (FACT) Program forensic nurse examiner (FNE ... Bachelor's Degree Nursing or Associate's Degree. If RN has an Associate's Degree, within 2 years of ...

Inova

Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE)

Falls Church, VA · On-site

Bachelor's Degree Nursing or Associate's Degree. If RN has an Associate's Degree, within 2 years of ... Previous experience in forensic nursing. * Certification: Completion of Adult and Pediatric SANE ...

Stormont Vail Health

Non-Exempt A Brief Overview The Forensic Examiner is a Registered Nurse, Advanced Practice Nurse, or Physicians Assistant employed by Stormont Vail Health reporting to the Clinical Nurse Leader and ...

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$16

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$51

How much do forensic nursing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic nursing in Virginia is $31.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $37.40 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 are popular job titles related to Forensic Nursing jobs in Virginia?

For Forensic Nursing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Nursing jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Nursing jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Forensic Nursing jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Forensic Nursing job openings:

Forensic Nursing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Nursing job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,905 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Forensic Nurse Examiner, RN - Flexi

Hampton, VA • On-site

Sentara Healthcare
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 416 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

499th of 896 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Good schedule notice

Learn more about Sentara Healthcareexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

City/State
Hampton, VA
Work Shift
Rotating
Overview:
Sentara Careplex Hospital is hiring a Registered Nurse, Forensic Nurse Examiner for the Emergency Department.
Shift: Rotating
Status: Flexi
License and Certification
  • Virginia or Compact Multi-State License in good standing
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) within 90 days of hire

Education
  • RN-Bachelor's Degree, or
  • RN-Master's Degree

Experience
  • Minimum of 1 year clinical experience

Required:
Must have satisfactorily completed a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) training program
Forensic Nurse Examiners ensure high quality and cost effective care to all forensic patients. Our FNEs maintain an atmosphere of positive group dynamics to promote patient, hospital, and community satisfaction with services provided, as well as promote professional growth and development of the Forensic Nursing program on a continuous basis.
Maintains knowledge of judicial process, laws, and legal statutes as it pertains to forensic nursing. Maintains knowledge of Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund as it pertains to forensic patient billing procedures. Creates and maintains forensic medical records. Willing to assess forensic patients outside of the hospital setting. Willing to comply with all court subpoenas.
Emergency Department (ED) - Sentara CarePlex Hospital Emergency Department is focused on providing exceptional emergency service to patients. The Emergency Department consists of 43 beds, including 11 fast-track beds for patients with shorter lengths of stay. Emergency physicians are board-certified. All emergency nurses undergo specialized training in emergency care and have received Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric certifications.
Registered Nurse (RN) with Sentara Health.
Registered Nurse, Nurse Examiners, Forensic, Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, BSN, MSN, SANE, Forensic Nurse Examiner, FNE, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.
Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to 10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k/403B with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance - 5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000
• Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Colleagues may have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met
Sentara CarePlex Hospital, located in Hampton, VA, is a 224-bed technologically advanced, acute care facility, and Certified Primary Stroke Center. Other features include specialized services in heart and vascular, urologic care, along with advanced diagnostic and surgical capabilities, a hospitalist program, and one of the state's busiest emergency departments. We are also home to the Orthopedic Hospital at Sentara CarePlex Hospital, the area's first dedicated orthopedic hospital. We improve health every day, come be a part of the community.
Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.
In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.
For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

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