What is a Forensic Nurse
Forensic nurses are medical professionals involved in the legal field who help in the investigation of crimes of a medical nature, and who care for individuals involved in the justice system. These include victims of physical or sexual assault, accidental death, care for prisoners, and providing counseling services. Their duties include giving examinations to patients, documenting evidence, and testifying in court, among others.
Work Environment
The work environment for forensic nurses can be particularly demanding and draining emotionally, but equally it can be highly rewarding. In the former case, there are many instances where one must deal with some of the horrific aspects of humanity, such as sexual assault, severe physical harm, or children involved in traumatic circumstances; in the latter, however, the work provides an overall good to society, and patients may find great solace and help in the nurse. The work environments themselves are varying; a prison’s medical ward will generally be clean and well-lit. Courtrooms are safe and similarly bright areas. However, crime scenes can be in any number of conditions, and one can never be sure of the circumstances they are entering.
Work Schedule
Forensic nurses will typically work a standard forty-hour work week, though this is in part dependent on the availability of other nurses where they work, and in part based on the potential for emergency situations. A forensic nurses may need to be called in at any hour, should a need arise for treatment or investigation.
Forensic Nurse Job Outlook and Prospects
The job outlook for forensic nursing isn’t exceedingly clear, however it is expected to grow by at least ten percent in the coming years. Demand for registered nurses is expected to grow by nineteen percent, and as forensic nurses are a sub-specialty of registered nursing, they can be assumed to grow at a somewhat similar rate.
What Affects the Salary of a Forensic Nurse
The salary of a forensic nurse is affected by numerous factors, including the geographic location, the industry in which they work, and the experience of the nurse involved. Education and specialization are minimal factors in a forensic nurse’s salary, due in part to the sub-specialty nature of the field. However, there are some minor gains to be made in this area. The mean annual wage for forensic nurses is around $69,040.
Education and Specialization
Forensic nurses must first complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing, or an associate’s degree in nursing. Following this, they will receive a license allowing them to practice as a nurse. This time spent in practice is necessary for future upgrading to a forensic position. Most forensic nurses will work closely with other medical and legal professionals, aiding in investigations or helping in treating those harmed by various crimes. Further courses are also recommended to understand the nuances of proper care and treatment of particularly violent or traumatic circumstances. Though the salary gains are small, there are some to be found in sub-fields of the sub-specialization. These include education of others (nurses, or the public in general), providing expert medical testimony, or providing treatment and counseling to victims of severe trauma.
Experience and Position
Nurses just starting their careers will typically earn around $47,950, while those with fifteen or more years’ experience can receive wages as high as $88,190. Position is a minor consideration; while an experienced forensic nurse may lead a team within a hospital, the field is comparatively small, with few avenues for hierarchical advancements.
Industry
The industry worked is an important consideration for forensic nurse salary. Working in a psychiatric or substance abuse hospital, for example, can bring wages near the average, at $66,780. Working for the Federal Executive Branch, however, can average wages of $79,190.
Location
A forensic nurse working in Puerto Rico, will typically earn around $33,000, while one in California can earn the greatest average at nearly $97,000. Hawaii follows California at approximately $86,000, and Massachusetts comes a close third at $84,000. The top ten metropolitan areas for forensic nurses are all in California, with San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City topping the list at more than $125,000; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara in a near second place at $123,000; and Vallejo-Fairfield at $120,000.
