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What is it like to be a forensic nurse What were the college classes like? ?

I'm interested in becoming a forensic nurse so I can help people and for my own personal reasons, yet I see people who are in med schools and the workload seems to be too much. Though I will say I'm good with organization and managing stress, I worry it may be too much. If I do take this path, what would I be in for?

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Subject: Career question for you

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Patrick’s Answer

Kali, thank you for your interest in forensic nursing and for your questions about this career path. Based on my discussions with my uncle and aunt, both experienced Military Combat nurses, My Aunt currently works as a forensic nurse and the information that I am providing comes from my conversations with her. I've gathered some valuable insights to help you understand this field better.

Forensic nursing is an intersection of nursing, law, and criminal justice, aimed at providing holistic care to victims and offenders of violence, abuse, and trauma. It's a challenging yet fulfilling profession that demands medical knowledge, investigative understanding, and empathy.

Forensic nursing is a broad field with diverse roles and responsibilities. These include offering medical aid to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse; preserving forensic evidence; collaborating with legal and law enforcement professionals; and testifying as expert witnesses in court. The variety of tasks requires forensic nurses to be adaptable, capable of handling emotionally intense situations professionally and empathetically.

As for academic preparation, you'll study subjects that lay the groundwork for forensic nursing. These include core nursing subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care, along with specialized courses in forensic science, forensic psychology, and healthcare law. You might also get the chance to gain practical experience through clinical rotations or internships in forensic settings like emergency departments, sexual assault response teams, or correctional facilities.

Forensic nursing can be demanding due to the sensitive nature of the cases involved. However, your organizational abilities and stress management skills will be invaluable in this profession. Forensic nurses often work in high-stress, fast-paced environments, requiring swift decision-making and action. But with the right training, support, and self-care, many find satisfaction in making a significant difference in survivors' lives and aiding in the justice process.

Choosing forensic nursing as a career will expose you to a variety of experiences and challenges. You may comfort a sexual assault survivor in an emergency room, collaborate with law enforcement to gather evidence at a crime scene, or testify as an expert witness in court. While these experiences can be emotionally draining, they can also be incredibly rewarding, knowing that you're offering vital support to individuals in their most vulnerable moments and helping bring offenders to justice.

In conclusion, becoming a forensic nurse is a noble and impactful career choice demanding dedication, resilience, and a strong commitment to helping others. Despite the demanding workload, your organizational and stress management skills will help you navigate this profession's challenges. With the right education, training, and support, you, Kali, can embark on a rewarding career journey, making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities affected by violence and trauma.
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Jessica’s Answer

Depending on where you live it can be different. But in general you either get a 2 year nursing degree ADN RN or a 4 year nursing degree BSN RN. After you get your nursing degree is when you specialize. I would look into how to specialize in forensic nursing. As for difficulty nursing is hard. But it's doable. Trust me no one would've thought I could do it and I did. So stay dedicated, study, practice critical thinking, and you'll do awesome!!
I'm sure that you will be an amazing nurse. Also don't be fooled it doesn't matter if you get your nursing degree at a community college or university everywhere needs nurses. What will matter is how good you are once you are a nurse. Good luck you got this!!
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