Forensic Nurse
Robbi Oley
What is a Forensic Nurse
Forensic Nurses help investigate crimes like sexual and physical assault, and accidental death. They are trained in medical evidence collection and the criminal justice system. As a Forensic Nurse, your job will be detail-oriented, with most of your time spent in hospital emergency rooms, helping interpret any first signs of foul play. You’ll also testify in court as an expert medical witness.
How to become a Forensic nurse
Get your Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Pass YourNational Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
Pass YourPediatric, or Adolescent/Adult Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner certification exam
Become aCertified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
how forensic nurses are used in the field
real cases
Mohajer v. Commonwealth of Virginia, 579 S.E. 2d 359 (Va. Ct. App. 2003)
The victim was assaulted by the defendant while receiving a professional massage. The defendant appealed his convictions of forcible sodomy and animate object penetration. The defendant argued the trial court erred in allowing the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) to state an expert opinion regarding the cause of the victim’s injuries and by finding the evidence sufficient to support his convictions. The appellate court disagreed and stated the nurse did not have to be licensed to practice medicine to express an expert opinion on the cause of injuries in an alleged sexual assault victim. The court further stated the nurse only offered her expert opinion as to the victim's injuries in terms of whether or not the injuries were consistent or inconsistent with consensual sexual intercourse.