One thing that’s certain, and that’s law enforcement can’t rest on its laurels. It must constantly strive to be one step ahead of the criminal. This has lead to a field that was virtually unheard of barely a generation ago, forensic nursing, and online college grant are rising to meet this growing need.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines a forensic nurse as a Registered Nurse (RN) who cares for crime victims. This means looking at the ugliest side of human nature. So having a cast iron stomach is part of the professional C.V. as they must aide victims of car accidents, rape, brutality and/or abuse and neglect and still be professional about it. . While they are at it, they must also be on the lookout for evidence that enables their colleagues to capture the criminal. They are also at the call of forensic pathologists for autopsies and can be called into court to testify on medical findings and evidence collected.
Due to the nature of the occupation, they can be seen as often working for the police as a hospital. Forensic nurses also work for charities, giving medical care for crime victims. A smaller number also wind up as consultants for law offices or as instructors at universities, preparing the next generation.
As it stands, the field is so new there are no hard numbers as to how many forensic nurses are actually in the work force. On the other hand, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has made some relatively sophisticated guesses about the profession’s future.
One thing all sources do agree on is the demand for forensic nurses is much greater than for most white collar fields. The Bureau projects general need will be for an additional 31% before the decade ends. The average rate for most white collar professionals is between 10% to 12%. Salary is also still approximated, but estimated to be in the upper $50,000 range as the pay appears to parallel an RN’s.
For all who want to become a forensic nurse, the schooling process starts off in much the same manner as an RN. A high school student first matriculates into a good college grants and scholarships, online or brick and mortal. From there, the objective is to walk out with a four year degree in nursing, period. The nurse now must do the time to prepare for getting her RN certification. This takes another one to two years.
It’s in the post-grad work where things start to differ. Forensic nurses also must take courses in criminal justice, law and forensic science. As they are usually already in the workforce after getting their BS, this is a particularly critical time for students to enroll in an online program, so they can balance work and classes at the same time.
It may be a cynical way to look at things, but as long as there is crime, there will be a need for forensic nurses and the nursing schools who provide the education. At the same time, it should be remembered they are helping the living victims as much as the criminologist. For that, they become a truly needed profession. Aspiring nurses, no matter which aspect of the field they wish to enter, should be sure to seek out grant for online college to facilitate their careers.