Nursing Careers: Becoming a Forensic Nurse in Canada

Nursing Careers is an ongoing series that explores different career paths available to student RNs.

What is a Forensic Nurse?

When I read the word forensic, I immediately conjure up images of CSI, dead bodies and crime scenes. In reality, forensics involves application of a wide range of sciences to answer legal questions.

A forensic nurse uses his or her specialized clinical and scientific knowledge to preserve, collect and document forensic evidence. The nurse also focuses care on individuals with unique health care needs within this context of violence, trauma, crime or disaster.

This specialized nursing class work in areas such as sexual assault or domestic violence. They may find themselves examining a victim of violence and/or training other nurses to treat patients involved in legal and/or violent situations. A forensic nurse may also consult with other medical or legal experts and agencies or provide expert court testimony in areas dealing with, for example, trauma investigations, questioned death and/or adequacy of health care services.

Education

To become a forensic nurse in Canada you need your RN degree. In addition, there are many specialty certificate programs and master’s programs in forensic health studies. I have listed a few below from Canada:

Certificates:

• Forensic Studies Courses and Certificate Program, Mount Royal College, Calgary Alberta Canada
  
• Forensic Health Studies Certificate Program, Seneca College, King City, Ontario
  
• BCIT Forensic Health Studies (ASC-FHS) certificate
• Forensic Nursing Certificate, George Brown College, Toronto, Ontari

Master’s Programs:

• Master of Nursing with Forensic Specialty, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan

Sources and Links:

• Forensic Nurses’ Society of Canada
• Forensic Education Website
• International Association of Forensic Nurses
• Forensic Nursing Chronicles Blog