Frequently Asked Questions

Forensic nurses are nurses who apply forensic concepts and trauma-informed principles into their practice. They work at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system, in situations where police or courts might be involved. Examples include patients who have experienced trauma, abuse, disaster, or violence; or situations such as workplace incidents and motor-vehicle collisions.

Compassionate care is especially meaningful when fear, youth, age, or stress robs vulnerable individuals of the ability to speak for themselves. Over the past three decades, forensic nursing has emerged as a healthcare discipline to inform communities of interest, while providing and improving the quality of care for society’s most vulnerable populations. Forensic nurses combine compassionate care in their practices using science to provide a “voice” that brings safety, medical treatment, and justice to patients who experience trauma in all its forms.As is often the case, when a radical improvement in healthcare takes place, one visionary emerges: Virginia A. Lynch.Lynch began writing her thesis in the 1980s, and she completed it in 1990 at the University of Texas at Arlington. She then published her seminal work, Clinical Forensic Nursing: A Descriptive Study in Role Development. Lynch conceptualized nurses as torchbearers for the improvement of medical-forensic practice, and she led the way by taking the forensic nursing role global.Lynch has been a pioneer throughout her nursing career. During the 1980s, she established the first post-sexual assault care clinic in Parker County, Texas. She also served as a county medicolegal death investigator in the state of Georgia. In 1991, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) asked that she define the practice of forensic nursing and establish a place for forensic nurses in the organization. Forensic nursing gained specialty recognition by the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1995.Forensic nurses influence standards of practice globally through consensus documents, research, and professional practice, in areas as wide-ranging as the military, domestic abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault, death investigation, and beyond. As the founding champion of forensic nursing as a specialty with scientific underpinnings in nursing science, Lynch promotes global training and credentialing for forensic nurses — ensuring a standard of care and to elevating the application of forensic science to nursing practice, while establishing the role of the forensic nurse in healthcare communities around the world.In 2018, a cadre of forensic nursing professionals with more than 500 cumulative years of experience in nursing and more than 240 years of experience in forensic nursing practice came together to take up Virginia Lynch’s vision for the future, and the Academy of Forensic Nursing (AFN) was born.

Forensic nurses are responsible for delivering comprehensive and objective clinical assessments and compassionate, patient-centered care—offering emotional and psychological support. In some cases, they collect vital forensic evidence such as written and photographic documentation of injury, biological and trace evidence, and conduct objective assessments that may contribute to legal proceedings.The scope of forensic nursing encompasses holistic advocacy for a patient’s total well-being. This frequently extends beyond the patient to include support of the patient’s family, helping all of them navigate the aftermath of violence or trauma. Clinicians routinely treat survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, child maltreatment, and human trafficking. Beyond direct patient care, forensic professionals apply their expertise in psychiatric facilities, legal nurse consulting, correctional institutions, and death investigations. Their tasks may also involve provision of court testimony, advocacy with government funding agencies and policy makers, and collaboration with community organizations.

To become a forensic nurse, individuals must first earn licensure as a registered nurse (RN) and build a strong foundation of clinical experience. Many begin their careers in high-acuity settings such as emergency departments, medical-surgical units, pediatrics, or behavioral health. From there, nurses typically pursue specialized forensic nursing education and training, with the option to also obtain professional certification to advance their expertise and career opportunities. The practice also requires an ability to think critically and make rapid decisions in a diverse variety of situations. This is supported by a commitment to continuous learning and evidence-based education.

Obtain at least one to two years of strong clinical nursing experience. Forensic nurses work independently and must have strong triage, critical thinking, problem solving, and interpersonal communication skills that are developed through experience.Most forensic nurses begin their careers as sexual assault nurse examiners. This is not the only role for forensic nurses, but it is the most common role—especially for the novice forensic nurse first entering the field.

Investigate what resources are available in your state or region. Do you have a statewide forensic nursing organization? Not all states do, but there are a few—so that is a good place to start. Do a Google search for “forensic nursing organization in X state”. If your state or region has an organization, reach out to them.You can also search https://centers.rainn.org/ to find a program in your area that provides forensic nursing services.

Depending on where you live and work, you may have a statewide forensic nursing coordinator. Reach out to the state coordinator or local forensic nurse leaders in your area. You can often find this information through a quick Google search for a statewide forensic nursing organization or statewide coordinator—although not all states have these roles.You can also search for forensic nursing programs at hospitals or local community-based forensic nursing organizations in your community. Hospital-based and some community-based forensic nursing programs will often hire and provide training, but it depends on the organization or program.

Check out the Academy of Forensic Nursing Special Interest Groups (SIGs). The Academy offers a variety of Special Interest Groups that are free to attend and meet monthly—and you don’t need to be an AFN member to attend! This is a good way to check out an area of forensic nursing you might be interested in. For example, if you are interested in what a death investigator does, come to the Death Investigation SIG to learn more and connect with other forensic nurses working in the field who can provide you with insight and guidance.You can also attend the AFN Mentorship SIG that meets the first Wednesday of each month. This is a good place to start to learn more about forensic nursing for nurses interested in forensic nursing or experienced forensic nurses searching for mentorship opportunities.We have had several nurses attend who were interested in how to become a forensic nurse and we can answer questions and offer further assistance.AFN Special Interest GroupsDeath InvestigationElder AbuseHarm ReductionHuman TraffickingInternationalMentoringMilitary (coming soon!)PediatricRuralSchool NurseViolence & Behavior

Free Podcast – Listening to the Bell Work Talks podcast is a great way to gain insight into the forensic nursing world. Each episode features an interview on various topics related to forensic nursing and often features different roles forensic nurses work in, providing more insight into the profession.Wednesday Webinars – AFN hosts bi-monthly Wednesday Webinars. These hour-long webinars held at 12 p.m. ET dive into different aspects of forensic nursing, insight into specific challenges or demographics that forensic nurses will encounter, or advice for advancing in this career. The live Wednesday Webinars are free for AFN members to join. The webinars are archived, giving you a diverse library of topics to explore.Journal of the Academy of Forensic Nursing (JAFN) – AFN publishes an online, open-access, scholarly journal three times each year. JAFN is filled with peer-reviewed original research, practice perspectives, case studies, research reviews, and community updates.Special Interest Groups – Members of AFN Special Interest Groups (SIGs) meet online each month to discuss their area of specialty. You can find the full list of SIGs, their meeting times, and reach out to a SIG chair at the AFN Special Interest Group website.Regional Liaisons – Another benefit of AFN membership is access to your AFN Regional Liaison. These members can help guide and connect you with forensic nursing resources in your area.AFN Student Membership Rates – AFN offers special discounted rates for students enrolled full-time in an initial, undergraduate, registered nurse program or a master’s/doctoral nursing program. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of AFN membership while saving as you pursue your educational goals.