New Hampshire

Forensic nursing is one of today's healthcare emerging specialties. Registered nurses trained in this specialty are knowledgeable and familiar with both the field of healthcare and that of the judicial system.

Even though the job market for forensic nurses is somewhat limited, forensic nursing education programs are being offered by an increasing number of colleges and universities. Currently there are about thirty-six graduate and certificate programs available to choose from for registered nurses interested in this specialty. A forensic nurse is trained to care for people who suffered injuries as a result of a criminal act. Preserving evidence is critical in these situations. An important part of a forensic nurse's education and training is learning how to preserve evidence and document the care given to injured patients for use in future legal proceedings.

Forensic nurses work in many different settings, including hospital emergency departments, attorney offices, prisons, and institutions for the criminally insane. Most registered nurses who have forensic certificates choose to work in urban hospitals and hold full-time nursing jobs which do not necessarily require forensic training. They use their forensic expertise when needed, usually on a part-time, on-call, or a consulting basis.