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Forensic Nursing Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Using trauma informed care and forensic nursing, they deliver coordinated, expert forensic and medical care necessary to increased successful prosecution of sex offenders and to assure essential ...

Using trauma informed care and forensic nursing, they deliver coordinated, expert forensic and medical care necessary to increased successful prosecution of sex offenders and to assure essential ...

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Forensic Nursing information

See Wisconsin salary details

$16

$31

$52

How much do forensic nursing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic nursing in Wisconsin is $31.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $38.08 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 Wisconsin?

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

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Forensic Nursing jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Forensic Nursing job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Nursing job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,079 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Forensic Nurse Examiner

Advocate Health

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Advocate Aurora Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 781 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

As a Forensic Registered Nurse, you’ll provide compassionate care and be an advocate for vulnerable patients. This on-call position will support services to Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Aurora Medical Center-West Allis Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center Milwaukee and/or Aurora Grafton. Training for this role will take place at Aurora Sinai Medical Center.

In this role, you may see/be involved in the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Services:

Sexual Assault exams to all ages, cases average 6-8 hours, longer dependent on case and case needs.

Exams:

  • Drug Endangered Children (DEC)
  • Domestic Violence victims (DV)
  • Strangulation victims
  • Human Trafficking victims

A minimum of 32 hrs per month/48 hrs per 6 week scheduling timeframe on call commitment is required. This on call position will fill shifts primarily week- nights 2300-0700 and weekends from 1500 on Friday to 0700 Monday. There is also a holiday commitment requirement. This position will cover all Aurora Healthcare sites (Currently Southshore, West Allis, Grafton, Sinai, St Luke's) and future sites. The department is expanding services and expect the on call team to expand with us.


Forensic Nurse Examiner training through the Department of Justice or UWM STARS program required.

Major Responsibilities:

  • The FNE/SANE nurse will conduct a forensic examination of the patient, cataloging evidence of physical or sexual abuse that may be used in a court case or police proceedings. Additionally, the FNE/SANE nurse will conduct a forensic interview, asking the victim about the incident(s) of abuse.
  • During the forensic examination, the FNE/SANE nurse may be required to collect specimens and DNA samples, take photographs of bruises and other injuries, and conduct a detailed physical and genital examination based on patient preference.
  • The FNE/SANE nurse’s primary goal is to ensure that the patient receives the necessary medical care and to provide guidance and support throughout any required treatments.
  • Provides work direction to the FNE/SANE staff responsibility for the coordination of resources to efficiently support procedures, day-to-day operations, and the smooth flow of patients through the department.
  • Provides support for direct patient care by performing the nursing process to deliver safe, therapeutic, and quality care through assessment of patients, establishment and implementation of the nursing care plan, and evaluation of clinical outcomes when necessary.  Promotes an environment conducive to the delivery of safe, efficient, and quality patient care.
  • Acts as a resource to employees, which includes training/orienting, providing day-to-day work direction, and giving input on performance.  Assigns, monitors, and reviews progress and accuracy of work, directs efforts and provides guidance on more complex issues in collaboration with the unit leadership.
  • Monitors employee assignments, maintains staff scheduling, evaluates staffing levels, and adjusts as necessary to maintain productivity level established for assigned area(s).
  • Monitors the quality of care provided.  Assists in ensuring policies and procedures are followed in compliance with the medical center, the Nursing department, and based on International Association of Forensic Nursing guidelines.
  • Works with management in developing new and existing programs and services.
  • Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.  Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.  Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required:

  • Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices, and
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months.

Education Required:

  • Completion of an accredited or approved program in Nursing.
  • IL based nurses will be required to obtain a certificate of completion from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) following the completion of the didactic training and clinical log prior to practicing independently.
  • WI based nurses will be required to complete didactic training and clinical skills training prior to practicing independently as a forensic nurse examiner.

Experience Required:

  • Typically requires 2-3 years of experience in clinical nursing within an acute care setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

  • Demonstrates a holistic approach to nursing practice committed to meeting the needs of the patient and family.
  • Clinical and technical knowledge in area(s) of specialty.
  • Ability to apply evidence-based interventions and nursing skills/technology to correlate to the patient’s response to an individualized plan of care.
  • Ability to recognize situational changes that require unplanned interventions.
  • Proficient computer skills including keyboarding, navigation within a windows operating system, use of electronic mail and electronic medical records systems.
  • Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrates human relation skills with the ability to develop rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with a variety of patients, staff and physicians.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively make critical, independent decisions and the ability to think ahead, anticipate learning needs and take preventive actions.
  • Demonstrates time management skills with an ability to multi-task and prioritize.
  • Skilled at coaching and developing employees to achieve the quality and service standards of the International Association of Forensic Nurses

Certification Addendum:

  • Certification encouraged is the International Association of Forensic Nursing Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Pediatric (SANE-P) certifications.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders, and twist frequently throughout the workday.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist, lift up to 20 lbs. over the head, carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
  • Must be able to: push/pull with 30 lbs. of force, perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
  • Position requires use of foot pedals on carts or machines.
  • May be exposed to chemical and hazardous waste as well as blood and body fluids and communicable disease.  Therefore, protective clothing and equipment must be worn as necessary.
  • Must have functional speech, vision, hearing, and touch with ability to use fine hand manipulation skills for IV insertion and other procedures/functions.
  • Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.


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About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US