Forensic Nursing Jobs in Criminal Justice

At the intersection of nursing and criminal justice is the professional role of a forensic nurse. Various nursing jobs in criminal justice exist where the application of clinical knowledge to legal matters is the primary skill set. Forensic nurses are compassionate advocates for humanity, motivated to make a meaningful difference. 

Forensic nursing may be a good fit for registered nurses (RNs) interested in:

• Applying advanced assessment skills to legal health-related cases
• Collecting and preserving evidence
• Documenting and collaborating with law enforcement
• Supporting and advocating for victims of interpersonal violence

This blog aims to explain how nursing and criminal justice overlap through various types of forensic nursing jobs. Read on to first learn how to become a forensic nurse.

How to Become a Forensic Nurse

Most nursing careers in law enforcement require the same education but have variations for preferred certifications. Whether you are looking to become a medical examiner nurse or a forensic death investigator, the first step is to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This can be done through the completion of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

A BSN is a prerequisite for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), so ADNs can complete an RN to BSN program to transition into graduate education. There are MSN programs that focus on forensic nursing and include hands-on clinical experience.

Prior background in critical care nursing, trauma care or the emergency department may help you understand the health-related context of legal cases. The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) has a member community for networking with professionals for valuable opportunities. 

Next, let’s explore four distinct forensic nursing jobs that can be done with an MSN degree, including their job descriptions, approximate salary and potential pros and cons to consider.

Types of Forensic Nursing Jobs 

Forensic practice includes any professional job that uses skills in legal proceedings and judicial decisions. Many fields include forensic roles such as medicine, accounting, engineering law,  linguistics and nursing. The following forensic nursing jobs typically include a holistic approach, allowing professionals to combine aspects of different disciplines.   

Medical Examiner Nurse/Autopsy Nurse

Job Description

A Medical Examiner nurse is sometimes called an autopsy nurse. The main purpose of this nursing role is to provide an investigation into the cause of death which may include performing autopsies. During an autopsy, the medical examiner nurse will assist the physician in examining the body of the deceased and collect samples that can aid in determining the cause of death. 

The expertise of an autopsy nurse is useful in noting injuries or other abnormalities that can be helpful during death investigations related to suicide, homicide, foul play or sudden and unexplained deaths. 

Other job responsibilities of the medical examiner nurse may include:

• Testifying in court
• Collaboration with forensic pathologists
• Taking photographs for evidence collection
• Communication with relatives of the deceased about the autopsy process

Average Autopsy/Medical Examiner Salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for an RN in May 2023 was approximately $86,070 annually. The variations in job responsibilities and potential work settings make it difficult to pinpoint a specific salary for autopsy nurses who may be employed in places such as:

• Medical examiner offices
• Hospitals
• Forensic laboratories
• Government or law enforcement agencies
• Academic or research settings

Pros and Cons of the Autopsy Nurse/Medical Examiner Role

The discovery of the cause of death in criminal cases can be a source of closure for families of the deceased. In this way, a pro of the autopsy nurse role is the ability to actively contribute to justice while helping serve the emotional needs of the families. 

There are a large variety of court cases, so another advantage is the level of interest this career can afford. For those who tend to enjoy different types of experiences, an autopsy nurse role may be challenging and mentally stimulating.

An autopsy nurse may work irregular shifts and odd hours, being called to serve at various times according to their role. The balance between work and personal life may be adversely affected in these situations. Also, medical examiner nurses can be exposed to potentially traumatic experiences with a fair amount of emotional stress. 

These can be cons of working in a medical examiner nurse position, but proper support and training to manage the demands of the job can help prepare a person for this type of employment.

Forensic Death Investigator Nurse/Nurse Coroner

Job Description

Many responsibilities of the medical nurse examiner/autopsy nurse are shared by the role of a forensic death investigator, also called a nurse coroner. Like autopsy nurses, nurse coroners are involved in death investigations, may testify in court, collect evidence and assist with post-mortem evaluations (autopsies). 

Additional responsibilities of a forensic death investigator nurse may include:

• Detailed investigations about circumstances surrounding a sudden or unexpected death
• Reconstruction of death scenes
• Thorough documentation of medicolegal reports
• Involvement in community education and crime prevention programs

When a death involves suspicious circumstances, the nurse coroner combines medical knowledge with investigative skills to determine the cause. During investigations, the forensic death investigator collects evidence at the crime scene that is not limited to biological samples from the deceased person. They may also collect evidence that could help determine the circumstances surrounding the manner of death. 

Average Nurse Coroner Salary

Wage statistics from the BLS on the RN role are inclusive of the nurse coroner, which can be impacted by factors such as job location. In May 2023, the highest-paying states for RNs were California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Alaska, with above-average salaries ranging from approximately $109,210 annually to $137,690. 

Pros and Cons of the Nurse Coroner Role

The nurse coroner is a role with substantial opportunity for skill development as continued experience and advancements in investigative methods are gained. This is a pro of the forensic nursing specialty for personalities who thrive in challenging environments requiring continued growth. The nurse coroner role deepens critical thinking and hones attention to detail, two skills that are essential in any nursing position. 

A nurse coroner may encounter various legal and ethical challenges as the role of forensic death investigation includes involvement in court testimony and serving as a witness. Cases may contain sensitive information and tragic circumstances that can be difficult to bear.

Correctional Nurse

Job Description

A correctional nurse is typically employed within a prison or jail and provides health care services to inmates. This role is considered a forensic nursing specialty because of the population and work environment where safety is a top priority for staff and inmates alike. 

Responsibilities of a correctional nurse include:

• Health assessments including mental health support
• Medication administration for acute and chronic illnesses
• Education and interdisciplinary collaboration for specialist treatment plans
• Responses to emergencies such as overdose or injury

A correctional nurse may be responsible for giving vaccinations and managing communicable diseases along with appropriate documentation of all nursing care given.

Average Correctional Nurse Salary

According to PayScale, the average base salary for a correctional nurse in 2024 is approximately $54,000 annually. This may fluctuate depending on the job location, and correctional facilities may offer competitive benefit packages comparable to RN positions in other industries. 

Pros and Cons of the Correctional Nurse Role

The correctional nurse may be the primary health care provider within a facility, so this role often comes with autonomy and responsibility for triage and care decisions. Depending on your unique preferences, this may be a positive aspect of the correctional nurse role or a deterrent if you prefer a setting with additional direct interactions with other healthcare workers. The role requires a focus on emotional intelligence, as these nurses work with unique and often vulnerable patients.

Correctional nurses serve a diverse patient population and use a range of nursing skills to manage various health conditions. At times, ethical and safety considerations may impact the role when caring for individuals with criminal convictions. There is potential for encountering aspects of the criminal justice system within this role, making this career choice a professionally rewarding option.

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) 

Job Description

A SANE provides compassionate and supportive care while evaluating victims of sexual assault. This role in forensics contributes evidence for legal proceedings and includes collaboration with law enforcement and other advocates. Specialized medical knowledge is necessary relative to the traumatic nature of cases requiring a SANE, and these professionals adhere to the highest nursing and ethical standards.

Job responsibilities of a SANE include: 

• Conducting forensic medical examinations 
• Collecting evidence from sexual assault victims
• Providing documentation and courtroom testimony
• Educating health professionals and the public 

The expertise of a SANE supports policy development and advocacy for survivor rights while contributing to recovery through trauma-informed care.

Average SANE Nurse Salary

According to Glassdoor, the estimated average salary for a SANE is approximately $97,000 annually. This figure is above the median salary for RNs reported by the BLS, making the SANE role one of the higher-paying nursing roles available.

Pros and Cons of the SANE Role

The SANE role can be personally and professionally rewarding because these individuals are major contributors to justice and patient advocacy during extremely challenging circumstances. As an emotionally demanding role, the SANE may risk secondary trauma by accepting exposure to detailed accounts of violence. Long and irregular work hours may be required to accommodate timely evaluation of cases when they arise.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse

Job Description

A psychiatric forensic nursing role combines mental health nursing with forensic science. When mental health care is provided to individuals involved in legal proceedings, this is often the role of a psychiatric nurse. 

A psychiatric nurse in a forensic role may do the following on the job:

• Complete psychiatric assessments for defendants, witnesses and victims
• Provide expert testimony on mental health status and the impact on court cases
• Intervene in crises and advocate for mental health needs
• Work directly with legal teams including attorneys and law enforcement agents

Preparing reports for legal proceedings is an important role of the psychiatric forensic nurse. This is a specialized nursing role with employment opportunities in various forensic settings. 

An online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is available to prepare RNs, as well as a Post-Graduate Certificate in PHMNP for those who already hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.

Average Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Salary

According to Zippia, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners make a higher average salary of $105,403 annually as of 2024. There is substantial variability in the salary offerings for psychiatric nurses employed in industries including hospitals, community agencies, correctional facilities, courts and other legal settings.

Pros and Cons of the Psychiatric Nurse Role in Forensics

To work as a psychiatric nurse in a forensic setting requires specialized skills and resilience to persevere through challenges. An advantage of the psychiatric nursing role includes the undeniable opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients needing an advocate for their mental health rights in legal proceedings. Crisis intervention skills are strengthened through the demands of this role.

Disadvantages of working as a psychiatric nurse may include the emotional toll and potential for high-stress situations that can lead to burnout or compassion fatigue. 

As you consider the various opportunities in forensic nursing, it’s important to weigh the benefits along with the difficulties associated with each job to determine which may be the best fit for your future.