ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forensics Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Community Health Network

Make a Difference The Forensic Nurse Examiner- FNE (RN) in the Center of Hope will be responsible for demonstrating performance consistent with professional standards of practice, care, performance ...

Community Health Network

Make a Difference The Forensic Nurse Examiner- FNE (RN) in the Center of Hope will be responsible for demonstrating performance consistent with professional standards of practice, care, performance ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForensics Nurse Jobs

Forensics Nurse information

See salary details

$16

$31

$51

How much do forensics nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensics nurse in the United States is $31.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $37.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensics Nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensics Nurse, you need a solid background in nursing practice, forensic evidence collection, and trauma-informed care, often supported by RN licensure and specialized forensic nursing certification (such as SANE). Familiarity with specialized medical equipment, evidence documentation systems, and chain-of-custody protocols is essential. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are crucial for supporting victims, collaborating with law enforcement, and testifying in legal proceedings. These skills ensure accurate evidence handling, sensitive patient care, and effective contribution to the justice system.

What can forensic nurses do?

Forensic nurses provide specialized care to victims of violence, abuse, and trauma, documenting injuries and collecting evidence for legal cases. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or law enforcement settings and may be trained in forensic evidence collection, documentation, and report writing to support criminal investigations.

How does a Forensics Nurse typically collaborate with law enforcement and legal professionals during investigations?

Forensics Nurses play a critical role in bridging healthcare with the legal system. They work closely with law enforcement officers to collect and document evidence, provide expert testimony in court, and ensure the proper chain of custody for forensic samples. Collaboration often involves participating in multidisciplinary team meetings, communicating findings clearly, and supporting victims through the legal process. This teamwork is essential for ensuring both the integrity of evidence and the wellbeing of patients.

Can an RN work in forensics?

Yes, registered nurses (RNs) can work in forensic nursing, which involves caring for victims of violence, collecting evidence, and providing expert testimony. Forensic nurses often require specialized training and certification in forensic nursing or sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) programs. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, or law enforcement settings and must adhere to strict protocols for evidence handling and documentation.

What is the difference between Forensics Nurse vs Emergency Room Nurse?

AspectForensics NurseEmergency Room Nurse
Required CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, forensic certification (optional)Registered Nurse (RN) license, emergency nursing certification (optional)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, crime scenes, forensic labs, law enforcement agenciesEmergency departments, hospitals, urgent care centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement, healthcare, forensic labsHospitals, urgent care, trauma centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Forensics Nurses specialize in collecting evidence, documenting injuries, and providing expert testimony related to crimes, often working closely with law enforcement. Emergency Room Nurses focus on providing immediate care to patients with acute illnesses or injuries. While both roles require RN licensure, Forensics Nurses have additional training in forensic science and legal procedures, making their work environment and responsibilities distinct from ER Nurses.

What jobs can I get as a forensic nurse?

Forensic nurses can work in hospitals, crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and correctional facilities, providing care to victims of violence and collecting evidence. They often serve as sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs), assist in criminal investigations, and may pursue certifications in forensic nursing to enhance their qualifications.

What are forensic nurses?

Forensic nurses are registered nurses who have specialized training in caring for patients who are victims of trauma, violence, or abuse. They combine nursing practice with knowledge of the legal system to collect evidence, document injuries, and provide expert testimony in court. Forensic nurses often work with victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child or elder abuse, and may also participate in death investigations. Their role is crucial in bridging the gap between medicine and law to ensure proper care and justice for victims.

How much do forensic RNs make?

Forensic registered nurses (RNs) typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can increase with specialized training, such as in trauma or legal evidence collection, and may include shift differentials for night or weekend work.
More about Forensics Nurse jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensics Nurse jobs? Cities with the most Forensics Nurse job openings:
What states have the most Forensics Nurse jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensics Nurse jobs include:
Forensics Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensics Nurse job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 5% As Needed, 72% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,466 per year, or $31.5 per hour.
Forensic Nurse Examiner Apprentice

Forensic Nurse Examiner Apprentice

University of Maryland Medical System

Easton, MD • On-site

$40.50/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Requirements

General Summary:


This role is specially trained to become certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing to provide comprehensive care to adults, adolescents and children who have been impacted by sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse, human trafficking and non-intentional trauma. This role works under the general direction of the Forensic Nurse Examiner Manager.


Primary Responsibilities:


The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.


Duties will be completed with assistance from and under direction of an experienced and certified Forensic Nurse Examiner until certification is achieved. 


  • Under direction and oversight, assists in performing forensic evidentiary examinations on victims and alleged perpetrators in connection with chronic or acute physical, sexual, or domestic assaults.
  • Provides timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to patients with a complaint of sexual assault utilizing a clinical process. 
  • Obtains consent from the subject or custodial/proper authority prior to the examination relative to photography and evidence collection. 
  • Performs evidentiary physical assessments using ALS when indicated based on evidence-based research and unit-based training. 
  • Completes the Physical Evidence Kit required by law enforcement authorities. 
  • Photographs patients and injuries as training indicates using proper technique. 
  • Ensures compliance with Chain of Custody requirements. 
  • Interfaces with law enforcement officials, crime labs, prosecutors, and other authorized stakeholders concerning forensic processes and outcomes to include providing expert testimony in judicial proceedings. 
  • Provides testing, prophylactic treatment, prescription refills and related education to patients who potentially may have been exposed to HIV during their assault. 
  • Participates in peer reviews, staff meetings and SART meetings.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:


  • Attending a minimum of 8 hours of continuing educational hours focusing on forensic science, caring for the sexual assault survivor, legal topics specific to forensic nursing examinations, forensic evidence collection, testimony preparation, sexually transmitted infections and treatments, trauma-informed patient-centered care modalities, and all other topics approved by FNE program coordinator and the Maryland Board of Nursing.
  • Assisting, when requested, with education of Police, ED Staff, State Attorney's Office, and the community.
  • Regularly attending and participating in quarterly staff meetings, Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) meetings, and other program needs that may arise.) 
  • Equitably sharing on-call responsibilities with other SANE members insuring coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Minimum of 20 hours of on-call time per month and ability to safely respond to a sexual assault call within 90 minutes.
  • Maintaining subject expertise by:

  • Performing a minimum of 3 sexual assault exams a year for each license held, (FNE-A - 3 adult exams, FNE-P - 3 pediatric exams, FNE-A/P - 3 adults AND 3 pediatric exams). This will allow the FNE to meet the minimum cases required by the Maryland Board of Nursing for FNE license renewal every 2 years. 
  • Obtaining a total of 8 clock hours of education in forensic science or forensic nursing in the previous 12 months.
  • Completing a minimum of 200 hours of on-call per license held per year.
  • Participating in a minimum of 6 peer reviews. 

Minimum Education, Experience, and License/Certification Required:


  • Current Maryland License in good standing as a Registered Nurse. 
  • Basic Life Support - Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP)
  • Associate's degree
  • Bachelor's Degree Preferred
  • 18 months of previous experience in a clinical setting 
  • Minimum three (3) years of previous experience in a clinical setting, preferred
  • Must attend and successfully complete MBON Certified 40-hour didactic FNE Course within the first 60 days of the start date. If class and class time is paid for by University of Maryland, the FNE will agree to stay for one year after he/she is fully certified as an FNE-A. Apprentice RN will agree to provide 60 hours of on-call time each month while in the apprentice program.

Benefits

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.


Compensation:


  • On Call/PRN
  • Pay Range: $40.50/hr.
  • Other Compensation (if applicable): NA
  • Review the 2025-2026 UMMS Benefits Guide

Like many employers, UMMS is being targeted by cybercriminals impersonating our recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. We will never ask for banking details, personal identification, or payment via email or text. If you suspect fraud, please contact us at careers@umms.edu.


Employment Type: OTHER

Apply