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Forensic nursing is a relatively new offspring of nursing that combines both health care and the judicial system. Forensic Nurses blend nursing with law enforcement by not only providing care to victims, but also by investigating cases of accidental death, child abuse, or sexual assault. A Career as a Forensic Nurse can hold an array of clinical roles, including Death Investigator and/or Coroner, Forensic Psychiatric Nurse, Forensic Clinical Nurse Specialist, Emergency Trauma Nurse, Forensic Gerontology Specialist, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. These individuals often work closely with attorneys and help collect and evaluate medical evidence and interview crime victims. Some also serve as legal consultants and will testify in court. continued below »
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Kaplan University offers a 12-month certificate program in Forensic Nursing online. Coursework includes forensic physical assessment and evidence collection, death investigation, forensic psychological assessment, report writing, crisis intervention, and more. In addition, Kaplan offers a Legal Nurse Consultant certificate program designed for students who want to work in the field of medical malpractice, insurance claims, and workers' compensation.
Legal Nurses are registered nurses who utilize their existing health care expertise with specialized legal training to consult on medical-related cases. These individuals work with insurance companies, private corporations, government agencies, and lawyers on medical cases. They interview patients and witnesses, organize medical records, locate evidence, determine damages and costs, and advise attorneys about medical issues. In addition to medical training, Legal Nurses are also trained in personal injury and medical malpractice law, as well as on the processes of civil litigation. Both Forensic and Legal Nurses often are in high-demand and earn above-average nursing salaries.
