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Forensic Rn Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Rn information

See Portland, OR salary details

$17

$33

$54

How much do forensic rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic rn in Portland, OR is $33.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.47 and $40.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Forensic RN?

A Forensic RN (Registered Nurse) is a specially trained nurse who provides care to patients who are victims or perpetrators of trauma, violence, or abuse, while also collecting evidence for legal investigations. These nurses play a critical role in bridging the gap between healthcare and the legal system by documenting injuries, collecting forensic evidence, and sometimes providing expert testimony in court. Forensic RNs work in various settings, including hospitals, sexual assault response teams, and correctional facilities. Their work ensures that victims receive appropriate medical care and that crucial evidence is preserved for legal proceedings.

What does a Forensic RN do?

A forensic registered nurse (RN) assists law enforcement officers by helping to obtain evidence of crimes while caring for victims. In this role, you may work in a hospital emergency room, social services organization, or with a medical examiner. You provide medical care to victims and recover evidence, such as bullets or clothing. Forensic RNs may also take photographs of wounds and document your observations and conversations with the victims; all documentation must follow specific procedures and regulations to ensure the evidence is admissible in court. If a case goes to trial, a forensic RN can give testimony as an expert witness. Some forensic RNs choose to specialize in particular areas, such as death investigations, psychiatric forensic nursing, or domestic violence and sexual assault.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic RN?

To thrive as a Forensic RN, you need a solid nursing background with specialized training in forensic evidence collection, trauma assessment, and legal documentation, typically supported by RN licensure and a forensic nursing certification (such as SANE). Familiarity with forensic examination tools, chain-of-custody protocols, and documentation systems is essential. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help Forensic RNs support victims and collaborate with law enforcement. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate evidence collection, comprehensive patient care, and the integrity of legal proceedings.

How do Forensic RNs typically collaborate with law enforcement and legal teams during investigations?

Forensic Registered Nurses (RNs) often work closely with law enforcement officers and legal professionals to ensure accurate evidence collection and documentation. They may be called upon to testify in court, provide expert opinions, and explain medical findings related to trauma or abuse cases. Effective communication and meticulous record-keeping are essential, as their documentation may be scrutinized during legal proceedings. This collaborative environment ensures that both the medical and legal needs of the case are addressed with precision and care.

What is the difference between Forensic Rn vs Forensic Nurse?

AspectForensic RnForensic Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN), specialized training in forensic scienceRegistered Nurse (RN), often with additional forensic certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, law enforcement agencies, crime labsHospitals, clinics, law enforcement, forensic units
Industry UsageLegal cases, crime scene investigations, victim advocacyVictim support, evidence collection, court testimony

Both Forensic Rns and Forensic Nurses are registered nurses with specialized training in forensic science. While their work environments and roles overlap, Forensic Rns often focus on legal cases and crime scene investigations, whereas Forensic Nurses may work more directly with victims and evidence collection in clinical settings. Both roles are vital in the intersection of healthcare and the legal system.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Rn jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Forensic Rn jobs in Portland, OR are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Rn jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Rn jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Rn job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,428 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Advanced Specialty Staff RN - Medical Forensic

Providence Service

Portland, OR • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Modivcare rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description

The forensic nurse examiner will provide timely, compassionate care to patients seeking medical-forensic exams in accordance with established protocols. This will include completing a medical-forensic exam, providing prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, photographic documentation, and completing referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up. The FNE will also collaborate with community partners including advocacy agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, and child and vulnerable adult protection agencies where applicable.

Providence caregivers are not simply valued – they’re invaluable. Join our team at Oregon Clinical Programs and thrive in our culture of patient-focused, whole-person care built on understanding, commitment, and mutual respect. Your voice matters here, because we know that to inspire and retain the best people, we must empower them.

Required Qualifications:

  • Graduation from an accredited nursing program

  • Coursework/Training and Completion of the 40hr IAFN or OR SATF SANE-A course

  • Upon hire: Oregon Registered Nurse License

  • Upon hire: National Provider BLS - American Heart Association

  • 2 years of Nursing experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Upon hire: Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE-A) - International Association of Forensic Nurses Or

  • Upon hire: Oregon Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE-OR) - Oregon SANE Certification Commission

Why Join Providence?

Our best-in-class benefits are uniquely designed to support you and your family in staying well, growing professionally, and achieving financial security. We take care of you, so you can focus on delivering our Mission of caring for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.

About Providence

At Providence, our strength lies in Our Promise of “Know me, care for me, ease my way.” Working at our family of organizations means that regardless of your role, we’ll walk alongside you in your career, supporting you so you can support others. We provide best-in-class benefits and we foster an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone is essential, heard and respected. Together, our 120,000 caregivers (all employees) serve in over 50 hospitals, over 1,000 clinics and a full range of health and social services across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. As a comprehensive health care organization, we are serving more people, advancing best practices and continuing our more than 100-year tradition of serving the poor and vulnerable.

Posted are the minimum and the maximum wage rates on the wage range for this position. The successful candidate's placement on the wage range for this position will be determined based upon relevant job experience and other applicable factors. These amounts are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.

Providence offers a comprehensive benefits package including a retirement 401(k) Savings Plan with employer matching, health care benefits (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, disability insurance, time off benefits (paid parental leave, vacations, holidays, health issues), voluntary benefits, well-being resources and much more. Learn more at providence.jobs/benefits.

Applicants in the Unincorporated County of Los Angeles: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Unincorporated Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

About the Team

Providence Clinical Network (PCN) is a service line within Providence serving patients across seven states with quality, compassionate, coordinated care. Collectively, our medical groups and affiliate practices are the third largest group in the country with over 11,000 providers, 900 clinics and 30,000 caregivers.

PCN is comprised of Providence Medical Group in Alaska, Washington, Montana and Oregon; Swedish Medical Group in Washington’s greater Puget Sound area, Pacific Medical Centers in western Washington; Kadlec in southeast Washington; Providence’s St. John’s Medical Foundation in Southern California; Providence Medical Institute in Southern California; Providence Facey Medical Foundation in Southern California; Providence Medical Foundation in Northern and Southern California; and Covenant Medical Group and Covenant Health Partners in west Texas and eastern New Mexico.

Providence is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principle that every workforce member has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, veteran, military status, religion, age, creed, national origin, sexual identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We believe diversity makes us stronger, so we are dedicated to shaping an inclusive workforce, learning from each other, and creating equal opportunities for advancement.

Requsition ID: 445895
Company: Providence Jobs
Job Category: Nursing-Patient Facing
Job Function: Nursing
Job Schedule: Per-Diem
Job Shift: Variable
Career Track: Nursing
Department: 5013 MEDICAL FORENSIC NURSE
Address: OR Portland 4400 NE Halsey St
Work Location: Providence Health Plaza (HR) Bldg 1-Portland
Workplace Type: On-site
Pay Range: $47.31 - $73.44
The amounts listed are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.


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