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Pediatric Forensic Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inova Fairfax Hospital is looking for a dedicated Forensic Nurse Examiner to join the team. This ... SANE (both adult & pediatric) course completion required within 30 days of hire. * Special ...

Inova Fairfax Hospital is looking for a dedicated Forensic Nurse Examiner to join the team. This ... SANE (both adult & pediatric) course completion required within 30 days of hire. * Special ...

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Pediatric Forensic Nurse information

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$51

How much do pediatric forensic nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for pediatric forensic 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 is a pediatric forensic nurse?

A Pediatric Forensic Nurse is a specialized nurse who provides medical care to children who are victims of abuse, neglect, or violence. They conduct forensic examinations, collect evidence, and work closely with law enforcement and child protective services. Their role includes documenting injuries, testifying in court, and providing compassionate support to young patients and their families. These nurses are critical in ensuring both medical and legal aspects of a child's care are addressed.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a pediatric forensic nurse?

To thrive as a Pediatric Forensic Nurse, you need a solid nursing background with specialized forensic training, pediatric care experience, and current RN licensure. Familiarity with evidence collection protocols, forensic documentation systems, and often SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) certification are typically required. Exceptional communication, emotional resilience, and attention to detail help you support young patients and families while working effectively with law enforcement and interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for ensuring comprehensive patient care, accurate legal documentation, and collaborative case management in sensitive forensic situations.

What are common challenges faced by pediatric forensic nurses in their daily work?

Pediatric Forensic Nurses often encounter emotionally charged and complex cases involving child abuse or assault, which can be both professionally rewarding and challenging. Managing the delicate balance between providing compassionate care to young patients and adhering to strict legal documentation and evidence protocols is a daily responsibility. You may also need to collaborate with social workers, law enforcement, and legal professionals, necessitating excellent teamwork and communication. These challenges require emotional resilience and a strong commitment to advocacy, but they also offer meaningful opportunities to make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

How much do pediatric forensic nurses make?

Pediatric forensic nurses typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or forensic settings, requiring specialized training in child abuse and trauma assessment.

Is there a demand for pediatric forensic nurses?

Pediatric forensic nurses are in increasing demand due to the growing need for specialized care in child abuse and neglect cases. They often work in hospitals, child advocacy centers, and law enforcement settings, with employment opportunities expanding as awareness of child protection issues rises and certification requirements become more standardized.
More about Pediatric Forensic Nurse jobs

What cities are hiring for Pediatric Forensic Nurse jobs?

Cities with the most Pediatric Forensic Nurse job openings:

What states have the most Pediatric Forensic Nurse jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pediatric Forensic Nurse jobs include:

Infographic showing various Pediatric Forensic Nurse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 32% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,466 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Forensic Nurse - As Needed

Meritus Medical Center

Hagerstown, MD • On-site

$49/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Meritus Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

 

New Pay Rate: $49.00

Forensic Nurse

As Needed

The Forensic Nurse provides comprehensive, trauma-informed forensic nursing care to victims of violence across the lifespan who present to Meritus Health. This role integrates evidence-based clinical practice with forensic principles to support patient care, evidence collection, and collaboration with multidisciplinary partners involved in investigation and treatment. The Forensic Nurse maintains clinical competency and participates in ongoing education in accordance with the Maryland Board of Nursing requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide comprehensive forensic nursing care to victims of violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, abuse, and other trauma-related presentations.

  • Deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care across the lifespan in a sensitive, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed manner.

  • Conduct forensic examinations, documentation, and evidence collection in accordance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards.

  • Maintain chain of custody and ensure accurate, timely, and thorough documentation.

  • Coordinate care with a multidisciplinary team, including law enforcement, advocacy services, social work, and other healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care and investigation.

  • Provide patient education, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate community resources.

  • Maintain clinical competency and participate in continuing education related to medical and forensic issues as outlined by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

  • Adhere to Meritus Health policies, procedures, and quality standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education - ASN required.  BSN Preferred.  

Experience - Minimum of one-year acute care experience preferred. Other nursing experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

Licensure/Certification - Current license to practice as Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland, or if resident of a state that participates in Nurse Multi-State Compact agreement, holds Registered Nurse license from that state that is designated as “Compact” or “Multi-State Privilege” using primary source verification and provides additional documentation as required by the Maryland Board of Nursing. RN license from a compact state with a designation of “Single State” does not meet the requirement and nurse must obtain a Maryland license. Maryland certification as an adult/adolescent forensic nurse examiner (FNE-A) through the Maryland Board of Nursing must be obtained within 6 months of completing course and certification as a pediatric forensic nurse examiner (FNE-P) within 6 months of completing course. These trainings will be provided if not already licensed.  National SANE-A, SANE-P, Generalist Forensic Nurse Certified (GFN-C™) or Advanced Forensic Nurse Certified (AFN-C™) certification preferred.  BLS (CPR) in compliance with policy required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Keen analytical ability and able to pay attention to detail while using critical thinking skills. Proficient in evidence collection of victims and suspects. Able to perform forensic nursing duties in the emergency department, inpatient hospital, and community-based settings. Proficient in forensic photography. Ability to maintain objectivity and confidentiality while treating patients in a trauma-informed manner.  Strong team work ethic while also able to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work in stressful environments while maintaining a professional attitude in communication with victims and perpetrators of violence and members of multi-disciplinary team. Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to serve as an expert witness and fact witness in forensic cases in the court of law.

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