CSI Meets Grey's Anatomy: Forensic Nursing Careers

A forensic nursing career combines compassion with justice, to help victims get the healing and the full legal protection that they really need. A forensic nurse works hand-in-hand with law enforcement to treat victims and investigate sexual assaults, child abuse or accidental death.

Forensic Nursing's Growth

Forensic nursing has only officially been around since about 1992. The term was supposedly coined in a national convention for nurses who treat sexual assault victims. An initiative from that meeting led to the creation of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) to encourage the growth of the field. Since forensic nursing careers involve a great deal of work with victims of sexual assault, the IAFN offers a specific certification called a SANE-A--Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners-Adult/Adolescent certification.

A Closer Look: Successes in the Heartland

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, forensic nurses are regularly relied upon by local law enforcement. While the nurses initially focused on sexual assault victims, the program in Tulsa has now expanded out to domestic violence victims and "drug-endangered" children. In 2002, Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government officially recognized Tulsa's SANE program as one of the best, for its innovative approach and high rate of success.

Nursing University Degree Programs

To get a certification in forensic nursing, you need to be a registered nurse (RN). The main degree and diploma programs for becoming an RN are as follows:

• Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
• Associate's Degree in Nursing (AND) Program
• Nursing Diploma Program

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that earning the 4-year BSN university degree will give you the widest range of opportunities in the healthcare field. However, if you're uncertain if nursing is the right career path for you, a shorter degree program may make sense.

With job opportunities for all kinds of RNs expected to remain high, a university degree in nursing is a great step to a healthcare job and potentially a forensic nursing career.

Sources

• Nelson, Valerie. Shattering Myths About Forensic Nursing.
• International Association of Forensic Nurses.
• Registered Nurses.
• Elliot, Matt. Sex crimes: Vital Help: Nurses Did Police, Victims. Tulsaworld.com.

About the Author
James Tolles is a freelance writer and holds two B.A. degrees, one in Creative Writing and the other in History.