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These days staying one step ahead of the criminal has meant the creation of a number of new professions. One of them is the forensic nurse, which was a position that was virtually unheard of a generation ago. Those wishing to branch off into this specialized field will still need the education provided by nursing schools.

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.

Because of their work, forensic nurses are employed by local police departments as for a medical institution. They can also be found at non-profit organizations offering affordable medical care for victims of rape and physical abuse. Finally, some end up at law offices (both prosecutorial and defense) or in universities, teaching the specialty.

What's interesting is the profession is so new there really isn't too much accurate data on the field. As it is, the Bureau can provide some very logical appraisals about the profession's future.

One of these projections is the need for forensic nurses will be much greater than the national average for most white collar professionals. It estimates the need in general will be about 31% by 2018, as this is the approximate need for other kinds of specialized RNs. For those who want to know, the average growth rate for most white collar jobs is 10% to 12%. The data on salary is also considered too small to draw from, but experienced, specialized RNs tend to make salaries in the high $50,000 range, it's felt that forensics should do the same.

If one wants to become a forensic nurse, the education process starts off pretty like any other nursing education. A high school student should enroll in a good school, online or on campus, known for its nursing program. From there, they will initially go for a four year program with a goal of a Bachelor's in Nursing. The nurse must also do what's expected to get her occupational registration, including passing the RN exam.

Where the paths really part is when nurses move on to their post-grad work. Forensic nurses have to study criminal justice, law and forensic science as part of their core. Considering they usually do this while holding down a regular job, a lot of them take their courses online. This way they can maintain work, study and a home life more easily.

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