Gain insight into the essential qualifications, important duties, key responsibilities, and vital skills that form a well-rounded Forensic Nurse job description.
What does a Forensic Nurse do?
A forensic nurse is a trained healthcare professional who combines nursing skills with forensic investigation techniques to identify injuries in patients. They work with victims of crime and sexual assault, collect forensic evidence, and assist in death investigations.
Job Description
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled forensic nurse to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of medical evidence collection and the criminal justice system, as well as excellent observation and counseling abilities to support victims of violence and crime.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide expert forensic nursing consultation
- Maintain confidentiality and show compassion at all times
- Collect blood, tissue, and semen samples
- Evaluate and document patients' injuries
- Gather evidence from victims and suspects
- Manage emotional trauma and fear of victims
- Request and interpret lab tests
- Testify in court as an expert witness
- Handle and preserve all evidence collected
- Take forensic photographs
- Act as a liaison between healthcare and legal systems
- Attend mandatory forensic nursing training
Requirements and Qualifications
- Degree in forensic nursing (required)
- 2 years of experience as a registered nurse (required)
- Minimum of 1000 practice hours as a forensic nurse
- Minimum of 20 continuing education hours in forensic nursing
- Completed National Council Licensure Examination (required)
- Excellent counseling and observation skills
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Effective decision-making and communication skills
- Ability to identify and preserve evidence
- Compassionate nature and ability to calm patients
- Expertise in medical evidence collection and the criminal justice system
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