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Job outlook for forensic nurses in the United States
Are forensic nurse jobs in demand?
Forensic nurse job and salary trends over time
Forensic nurse jobs over time
Forensic nurse job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 660 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 647 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 646 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 639 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 629 | 0.00% |
Average forensic nurse salary over time
Forensic nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $63,589 | $30.57 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $61,875 | $29.75 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $60,550 | $29.11 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $59,089 | $28.41 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $57,781 | $27.78 | +1.4% |
Forensic nurse jobs by state
Most common states for forensic nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 193 | 18% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 138 | 16% |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 95 | 14% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 179 | 13% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 70 | 12% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 743 | 11% |
| 7 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 226 | 11% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 128 | 10% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 76 | 10% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 73 | 10% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 65 | 10% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,129 | 9% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,101 | 9% |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 533 | 9% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 171 | 9% |
| 16 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 749 | 8% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 560 | 8% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 499 | 7% |
| 19 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 445 | 7% |
| 20 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 223 | 7% |
Most common cities for forensic nurses
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parker | 2 | 4% | $67,183 |
| 2 | Arvada | 2 | 2% | $67,169 |
| 3 | Centennial | 2 | 2% | $67,194 |
| 4 | San Marcos | 1 | 2% | $64,629 |
| 5 | Lakewood | 2 | 1% | $67,249 |
| 6 | Lowell | 1 | 1% | $93,709 |
| 7 | Colorado Springs | 2 | 0% | $67,742 |
| 8 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $67,055 |
| 9 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $100,471 |
| 10 | San Antonio | 1 | 0% | $64,600 |
Forensic Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of forensic nurse experts
Shepherd University
Troy University
University of Wyoming
New York University
University of Maine
Francis Marion University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
University of Detroit Mercy
Stephen F Austin State University
Prairie View A & M University
Loyola University New Orleans
George Fox University
New York University
Elmhurst University
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
Lisa Zerull PhD, RN-BC
Assistant Professor of NursingShepherd University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Lisa Zerull PhD, RN-BC: Excellent clinical judgment, Flexibility and resiliency, Positive attitudes, Positive change agents—don't be part of the problem—be part of the team to effect positive change
Kayla Jackson RN BSN
BSN Success CoachTroy University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Kayla Jackson RN BSN: Salary potential varies depending on location, specialty and experience but a few ways to maximize your salary potential are: Consider pursuing further education which can include certifications in your field or area of expertise, an advanced degree, or specialized training. Gain experience. Seek out unique opportunities for professional growth so you can build an exceptional resume. This can position you for higher paying roles. Negotiate strategically-just as we advocate for our patients, we must be an advocate for ourselves. Do your research and know the standards where you are located, but also highlight the skill set you are bringing to the table and articulate how valuable you will be to their organization. Explore different employment settings. Nurses have so many opportunities in different fields, so explore what is out there and base your decision on who offers the best salary and benefits.
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS
Associate Dean, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wyoming
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Forensic Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS: In nursing, the ability to think critically within the clinical context, communication, and assessment skills will continue to be very important. You, as the nurse, are with the patient for more hours than any other provider. Your ability to look at the patient combined with your assessment, their current issues, their lab values, and clinical presentation will be the difference in their outcome. Once you put your pieces together, your ability to clearly communicate your findings with the providers will advocate for the patient and their care.
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC
Clinical Assistant ProfessorNew York University
Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Trauma-informed care, narrative interview/qualitative assessment skills, informatics.
What will help Forensic Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Seek job opportunities that offer you ample supervision. Supervision is critical to furthering your education and refining on-the-job expertise in the specific practice setting where you have chosen to work.
What general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Jordan Porter DNP, APRN, FNP-BC: In this field, where the environment is constantly changing and the stakes are always high, it's critical for new nurses to prioritize emotional agility. What I mean by that is having the courage to face tough emotions, being curious about them rather than fearful, and treating yourself with compassion as you work through them. This isn't just about handling stress; it's about aligning these experiences with your core values and purpose. For example, Adam Grant in his book 'Hidden Potential' really hits the nail on the head. He talks about becoming a discomfort seeker, a relentless learner, and embracing imperfections along the way. These aren't just tips; they're necessary traits to navigate the complexities of healthcare with resilience and adaptability. I believe mastering this kind of emotional agility is as crucial as any clinical skill a nurse learns.
Deborah Hopla DNP, APRN-BC, FAANP, FAAN
ProfessorFrancis Marion University
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What will help Forensic Nurses increase their earning potential?
Deborah Hopla DNP, APRN-BC, FAANP, FAAN: The general advice I would give to a nursing graduate student as they begin their career in nursing is to understand every patient you treat is someone’s Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, Brother, Sister, Child. Treat patients like they are your family member. Always keep up with the latest evidence and treatment options.
What Forensic Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Cindy Krentz DNP, RN, ACUE: Entering the nursing profession at present offers numerous advantages. Firstly, there's a widespread shortage of nurses nationwide, making nursing a highly sought-after career. With the aging population and retiring nurses, there's a pressing need for new nurses to fill these vacancies. Additionally, nursing offers diverse career paths, allowing individuals to transition between different specialties if desired. Moreover, the field boasts high earning potential, job stability, and flexibility in scheduling.
What will help Forensic Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Cindy Krentz DNP, RN, ACUE: Nursing encompasses a wide range of specialties, from forensic and flight nursing to hospice care, hospital nursing, research, and public health nursing, among others. Regardless of the specific role, the fundamental task common to all nurses is assessment. This involves evaluating patients' physical, mental, and overall well-being. Physically, nurses conduct examinations, monitor vital signs, assess pain levels, and consider the broader context to provide comprehensive reports to healthcare providers. Given that nurses are present round-the-clock in hospitals, they play a crucial role in relaying their assessments to providers, who typically visit once or twice a day.
What general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Becky Farmer MSRS, RT (R)(M): Soft skills, our new grads sometimes forget we are in the patient care business. Someone's mom, aunt, dad, grandpa are the ones we are caring for and we must listen well and take the best care of them possible. That's what they will remember.
What Forensic Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Becky Farmer MSRS, RT (R)(M): Best advice for new graduates is to never stop learning, gain all the certifications you can and keep a positive attitude. Remember networking is key to a successful career!
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: To maximize your salary potential you should consider going back to school and pursuing your doctorate degree from a high quality, reputable institution. There are many programs that offer BSN to doctorate pathways and that will enhance earnings potential.
What will help Forensic Nurses increase their earning potential?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: Nursing offers many opportunities for a career and you never know what door will open for you in your calling to care. You should explore many possibilities and not limit yourself to any one particular area. It is also important to explore your future career and educational doors in the future.
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Detroit Mercy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C: Nursing remains an excellent career path, characterized by its evolving landscape and opportunities, continual growth, and soaring demand in a variety of settings. Nursing guarantees job stability, possibility for both personal and professional advancement, and the satisfaction of positively impacting people's lives.
Dr. Erin Bailey DNP, APRN, FNP-C
MSN CoordinatorStephen F Austin State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Dr. Erin Bailey DNP, APRN, FNP-C: Empathy and grit. Nurses definitely need empathy to care for patients but COVID and the changes in the world have taught us that new nurses need grit and self-care. Burn-out is a real thing. Nurses need to think about and advocate for their own safety and health-mental and physical. Take a self-defense class and learn de-escalation tips. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not get trapped in a room by yourself with an aggressive agitate patient. Also, do not work seven 12 hour shifts in a row as a new nurse. It is not healthy for you. Find a nurse that you can decompress and debrief with. Most new nurses burn-out in less than 10 years. This is the key to longevity in this field and will allow you to increase your earning potential.
What general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: Daily, nurses with the health care team to manage and coordinate patient care which include physical assessments-assessing, observing, and evaluating the patient's response to care, administering medication and treatments, assisting with procedures, and providing health education to patients and their families. Additionally, nurses often supervise other unlicensed health care team members including licensed vocational nurses, patient care technicians (PCTs) and nursing students.
What will help Forensic Nurses increase their earning potential?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: I can't speak for everyone but what I like about being a nurse is the ability to connect one on one with the patient and their family. Patients allow us the privilege of providing care and comfort during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. It is the connection that we share that is the most rewarding. I believe that is this care and education that provides patients with the opportunity to make knowledgeable decisions about their health and well-being. What is most challenging about nursing is the increasing complexity of the patient care provide. Often patients enter the health care system later, having delayed care variety or reasons including lack of access, socio-economic challenges, unawareness, etc. This often increases the complexity of the care needed and nurses are required to have a broad knowledge of many things. I wouldn't say that they dislike the nursing profession, but the work is challenging.
What Forensic Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: Nurses spend their days or nights assisting clients and their loved ones on their healthcare journeys. They possess a variety of tools and knowledge in which to do this. They assess and monitor patients, which is often a very dynamic process. They are trained to provide emergency response treatment. They administer medications and perform various aspects of patient care. They provide education to patients and loved ones and advocate for patients' rights and needs. Nurses maintained detailed documentation on all information pertaining to patients. They also work closely as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Finally, they also maintain their own professional development as changes in healthcare are frequent and/or they are interested in pursuing advanced degrees or certifications. Nurses work tirelessly to promote positive patient outcomes
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC
Undergraduate Program Director, Professor of PracticeWhat general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: As a new graduate student, it can be overwhelming to start your professional career. My first piece of advice is to be kind to yourself. It takes time to master all the clinical skills and judgment you learned in school. Secondly, give yourself some grace when facing challenges in understanding why a client or healthcare team member is difficult. Remember that you will be caring for people during the most vulnerable times of their lives. Finally, prioritize self-care by taking the time to recharge. Providing the best care for your clients is essential, and you shouldn't feel guilty about it. I always tell the students," Always remember to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others."
What will help Forensic Nurses increase their earning potential?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: I think one of the most important and prevalent skills that will be prevalent in the next 3-5 years in nursing is the ability to communicate with patients in a therapeutic manner that supports trust and mutual respect. Additionally, a skill that will be vital to current and future nurses is the ability to provide individualized care. Our patient populations are increasingly complex and unique, and it will be important for health providers to care for all individuals based on their needs and where they are at the moment. Lastly, as we see the increase of technology and AI use in healthcare, we need to be technology proficient and confident, as well as flexible in the use of these tools to improve patient care.
Michelle Collins Ph.D., CNM, RNC-EFM, FACNM, FAAN, FNAP
Dean and ProfessorLoyola University New Orleans
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Michelle Collins Ph.D., CNM, RNC-EFM, FACNM, FAAN, FNAP: Be flexible in regard to job opportunities. There may not be the exact position with the desired hours in the one unit in which you are interested in working (or that dream job may be available!) But keep your mind open, and go into your first job with an open mind. This is also good advice through your career as you never know what opportunities may come your way. Most of the opportunities that I have greatly enjoyed in nursing came as a result of just being open to new options and trying new things even if I wasn't sure at first that I would enjoy that opportunity.
Kara Sump MSN, CNE
Assistant Professor of NursingGeorge Fox University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Forensic Nurse?
Kara Sump MSN, CNE: Some of this is driven already by practice location, specialty, and unions (if entering a unionized position). I would do your research about what to expect and come with an expectation that you should be able to negotiate a pay rate if you have some background such as previous practice as a CNA, Medication aide, LPN, or another medically related field that is translatable to the nursing practice role. You might consider what relevant job shadows or volunteer work you could do should you not have any of the above. Or perhaps, what previous experience do you have that speaks to teamwork, delegation, managing others, communications, or other essential functions of nursing and being able to articulate how this should afford you a higher wage. Other helpful things- being flexible with shift- nights/weekends, speaking another language and being able to get certified as an interpreter.
What skills will help Forensic Nurses earn the most?
Beth Latimer: Critical thinking, prioritization, carefully assessing any situation at the appropriate time, not normalizing the abnormal, and escalating necessary crucial information to the team at that right moment in time will save lives. Great nurses notice, and when in doubt, will take the right actions to get the right type of intervention for their patients and their families with patient advocacy at the forefront.
Diane Salvador Ph.D.
Executive Director and ProfessorElmhurst University
Department of Nursing and Health Sciences
What hard/technical skills are most important for Forensic Nurses?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: New nurses should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in basic nursing care and procedures. It is important to realize that each hospital has its own policy and procedure to follow, so taking advantage of your nurse preceptor and orientation program will ensure you are familiar with these basic procedures.
What soft skills should all Forensic Nurses possess?
Kim Raines: Graduates have been confronted with harsh realities. They have had considerable remote learning which may have made them wiser to the value of being in person compared to a recording or reading and learning independently. Of course, there is a place for both. Some graduates have been even more personally affected by the pandemic. They may have suffered through the grim and enduring loss of hospitalized loved ones, many of whom were completely isolated. Graduates need to understand fully; the power of human touch, and the how and why superb communication - however limited it may be - is a lifeline for patients and families. Teamwork, flexibility and interpersonal skills take on a new meaning in the pandemic healthcare world. New graduates will need to focus on deliberate practices for staying well themselves (physically and emotionally) but also be extraordinarily conscious of ways to support their co-workers in real time and perhaps off the job as well.