Why I Want To Be A Registered Nurse Essay
Forensic Nursing. - Would like to do in university.
It is a healthcare profession that focuses on providing emergency treatment to both victims and suspects of violent crime. Most of a the nurse’s patients are affected by crime, so these types of programs combine elements of medicine and law. The nurses cooperate with medical staff and the police to collect and preserve biological samples like blood or semen that can be used as evidence in a criminal trial. Sometimes they are asked to be expert witnesses in court, so these programs teach students about the criminal justice system and how to make ethical decisions. As a field, it has emerged only within the last 20 years, so there are only a few educational options to choose from. You can either earn a masters degree or an undergraduate degree, plus a graduate certificate. No matter what …show more content…
degree you earn, you will need to be licensed as a registered nurse before you can receive specialized training.
What exactly is a forensic nurse?
They are registered nurses who is specially trained to treat the victims and suspects of violent crimes like domestic abuse, rape and trauma. In addition to giving emergency medical care, they help conduct criminal investigations by documenting scientific evidence of a violent crime. They typically work in hospitals under stressful emergency room conditions. Some work in nursing homes to detect and prevent abuse of the elderly, or in correctional facilities to provide medical care to inmates.
How do I know if this career path would be a good fit for me?
Here is a quick quiz to help you decide if you have the personality it takes to succeed. Rate, on a scale from 1 to 5, how well each of the following statements describes you.
I am compassionate and caring towards others.
They frequently interact with traumatized victims of crime. It is crucial that you treat patients with sympathy in order to thrive.
I do not judge others.
They are commonly responsible for providing medical treatment to inmates and suspected criminals. You must set bias aside and treat all patients as equals.
I am able to stay calm in a crisis.
Victims of severe violence and trauma end up in the emergency room. You will need to control your emotions as you respond to those cases to minimize your patient’s distress.
I am emotionally stable.
They work under demanding and taxing conditions as they interact with wounded and grieving people. The ability to express your feelings in healthy ways outside of work will help you to cope with high levels of stress.
I pay close attention to detail.
They are responsible for collecting biological evidence that is often used in legal cases. Evidence must be carefully preserved, so if you tend to overlook details, you will not make an accurate investigator.
I take a logical and scientific approach to problems.
They analyze patients who show indications of violence to identify the cause of trauma and determine the best medical solution. If you reason well, you may enjoy forensic investigation.
I communicate clearly and effectively.
Because forensic nurses are frequently called to testify in court, they need to be able to explain their expert opinions for a judge and jury. You must be comfortable with written and verbal communication to succeed in this job.
I am ethical and moral.
The expert witness testimony that a these nurses offers can determine a suspect’s guilt or innocence in a criminal trial. It is crucial that you give honest and accurate testimony.
I am not squeamish about bodily fluids.
They are required to preserve biological samples like saliva, blood and semen for use in police investigation. If bodily fluids make you uncomfortable, this might be a poor career choice for you.
I can keep track of many things at the same time
Academic Degrees
What academic levels are available in this field?
Credentials in this field are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. After you complete an undergraduate program at the associates or bachelors level, you can earn a graduate certificate. Or, you can enter a masters degree program. In either case, you may not enter a program until you have become a licensed registered nurse.
Education Requirements
How long would it take me to finish school and join this career field?
It takes about 3 to 6 years, depending on the educational path that you choose. No matter what, you must become a licensed registered nurse before you can pursue this specialization. After you are licensed, you can earn the qualifications by completing a graduate certificate or a masters degree.
A graduate certificate will take between 4 and 12 months to earn. The quickest way to become a forensic nurse is to earn a graduate certificate after you graduate with an Associate of Science in Nursing, which typically takes 2 years. You can also earn a graduate certificate after you graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Bachelors degree programs typically take 4 years to complete.
Another option is to earn a masters degree, which requires 1 to 2 years of study. To be admitted into a masters program, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Bachelors Degree
Bachelors degree programs in this subject are extremely rare. If you want to enter the field, you need to get a graduate certificate or a masters degree.
Certificate
A graduate certificate is the fastest way to enter this career path. To earn a graduate certificate, you will first have to complete an Associate of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and obtain a registered nursing license.
How long will I have to study to earn my graduate certificate?
After you complete your associates or bachelors degree in nursing, a graduate certificate can be earned in 12 to 20 credit hours, or in 1 year or less.
What types of courses will I take while studying for my certificate?
You will take a variety of courses relating to both the medical field and the criminal justice field. Exact courses vary by program, but you are likely to take medical classes like injury identification, biological evidence collection and nursing law and ethics. You will also take classes that introduce you to the fundamentals of forensic science, the criminal justice system and patterns of domestic violence. Many programs also require a short-term clinical practicum of 40 to 60 hours.
What types of jobs can I hope to secure with a certificate?
With a certificate, you can work as a correctional nurse, a legal nurse consultant or a forensic gerontology specialist. In some jurisdictions you will be eligible to work as a death investigator or a sexual assault nurse examiner.
What are the requirements for admission to a certificate program?
Before you can enroll in a certificate program, you will need to earn:
• an Associate of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• a registered nursing license through your state’s nursing board
Some graduate certificate programs also require nursing experience before you enter the program, but many do not.
What about getting a certificate online?
Several schools offer programs online. Earning a certificate online is a viable option if it includes an offline, clinical practicum. Most clinical practicums require 40 to 60 hours of supervised experience. The clinical practicum is essential because it brings the theory-based aspects of an online certificate program in this subject to life in the emergency room. There is no way to test your skills if you do not partake in a clinical practicum, so online certificate programs in this subject that do not require practical experience in a hospital are not recommended.
Bachelors Degree
Bachelors degree programs in this subject are extremely rare. If you want to enter the field, you need to get a graduate certificate or a masters degree.
Masters Degree
A masters degree in this subject takes longer to earn than a graduate certificate, but it will qualify you for a better salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses who possess a masters degree have better job prospects and receive higher pay than nurses without graduate degrees.
What are the different types of masters degrees that I can earn in this subject?
The only masters degree program available in this area is a Master of Science. A masters degree requires students to take a scientific approach to studying nursing using methods of research and evaluation.
How long will I have to study to earn my masters degree?
A masters degree typically requires 36 to 40 credit hours to complete, including a clinical practicum. You can graduate from a masters program in about 2 years.
What types of courses will I take while studying for my masters degree?
As you pursue a masters degree in forensic science, you will take classes that help you develop a theoretical understanding of nursing and the criminal justice system. Although specific courses vary by program, you will take healthcare classes like nursing theory, research methods and healthcare ethics. You will also take classes related to criminal justice like sociology, forensic science, criminal law and theories of violence. Many programs also require a short-term clinical practicum of 40 to 60 hours.
What types of jobs can I hope to secure with a masters degree?
A masters degree will qualify you to work in nearly every area of nursing in forensics. Some career options include correctional nurse, legal nurse consultant, forensic psychiatric nurse and forensic gerontology specialist. You will also be able to work as a death investigator or a sexual assault nurse examiner in certain jurisdictions.
What are the requirements for admission to a masters degree program?
Before you can enroll in a forensic science masters degree program, you will need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. You are also required to be a licensed registered nurse to be admitted.
What about getting an online masters degree?
Some schools offer an online masters degree. As long as your online masters degree includes an offline clinical practicum, there are no drawbacks to pursuing an online program. Most clinical forensic nursing practicums require 40 to 60 hours of supervised experience. The supervised clinical experience helps students to understand the reality of working in traumatic situations. You will not be prepared to work in the emergency room without a clinical practicum.
Licensing Information
What else should I keep in mind when considering studying forensic nursing?
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Certification
If you want to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, you need to earn a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) credential. SANE courses typically require 40 hours of theoretical training and a 40- to 60-hour supervised clinical experience. You can specialize in adult or pediatric examination, or take a 64-hour course that trains you to examine both juveniles and adults. At the end of your training, you will be required to pass a written exam.
To be eligible to earn SANE certification, you must be a registered nurse. Although the SANE certificate will not qualify you for other forensic nursing jobs like corrections nurse or death investigator, it will significantly boost your resume and will qualify you for the most common position in the field of forensic nursing.
Right Choice
Is there anything else I should consider in deciding if this is the right career choice for me?
If you are considering a career in this specialized field, you are in for several years of medical training. You will need to earn your nursing credentials before you can specialize in forensics and you will need to continually update your education throughout your career.
Prerequisite Education and Licensing
Before you can specialize in this field, you must become a licensed registered nurse. All states require nursing students to graduate from an approved nursing program, which takes 2 to 4 years to complete, depending on the educational path that you choose.
You must also pass the national licensing examination, which is called the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN measures your knowledge of safe and effective nursing procedures. As of 2012, nursing students pay $200 to register for the exam. A registered nursing license needs to be renewed periodically. The process and frequency of renewal varies by state, so it is important to know the guidelines of your state.
Continuing
Education
Registered nurses need to be lifelong learners, because they are required to take continuing education credits throughout their careers. Continuing education requirements ensure that nurses stay up to date with medical progress. In addition, nurses with further education are more likely to advance in the field. Exact continuing education requirements for nurses vary by state, so you will need to check with your employer to make sure that you are following the appropriate guidelines.
It is a healthcare profession that focuses on providing emergency treatment to both victims and suspects of violent crime. Most of a the nurse’s patients are affected by crime, so these types of programs combine elements of medicine and law. The nurses cooperate with medical staff and the police to collect and preserve biological samples like blood or semen that can be used as evidence in a criminal trial. Sometimes they are asked to be expert witnesses in court, so these programs teach students about the criminal justice system and how to make ethical decisions. As a field, it has emerged only within the last 20 years, so there are only a few educational options to choose from. You can either earn a masters degree or an undergraduate degree, plus a graduate certificate. No matter what …show more content…
degree you earn, you will need to be licensed as a registered nurse before you can receive specialized training.
What exactly is a forensic nurse?
They are registered nurses who is specially trained to treat the victims and suspects of violent crimes like domestic abuse, rape and trauma. In addition to giving emergency medical care, they help conduct criminal investigations by documenting scientific evidence of a violent crime. They typically work in hospitals under stressful emergency room conditions. Some work in nursing homes to detect and prevent abuse of the elderly, or in correctional facilities to provide medical care to inmates.
How do I know if this career path would be a good fit for me?
Here is a quick quiz to help you decide if you have the personality it takes to succeed. Rate, on a scale from 1 to 5, how well each of the following statements describes you.
I am compassionate and caring towards others.
They frequently interact with traumatized victims of crime. It is crucial that you treat patients with sympathy in order to thrive.
I do not judge others.
They are commonly responsible for providing medical treatment to inmates and suspected criminals. You must set bias aside and treat all patients as equals.
I am able to stay calm in a crisis.
Victims of severe violence and trauma end up in the emergency room. You will need to control your emotions as you respond to those cases to minimize your patient’s distress.
I am emotionally stable.
They work under demanding and taxing conditions as they interact with wounded and grieving people. The ability to express your feelings in healthy ways outside of work will help you to cope with high levels of stress.
I pay close attention to detail.
They are responsible for collecting biological evidence that is often used in legal cases. Evidence must be carefully preserved, so if you tend to overlook details, you will not make an accurate investigator.
I take a logical and scientific approach to problems.
They analyze patients who show indications of violence to identify the cause of trauma and determine the best medical solution. If you reason well, you may enjoy forensic investigation.
I communicate clearly and effectively.
Because forensic nurses are frequently called to testify in court, they need to be able to explain their expert opinions for a judge and jury. You must be comfortable with written and verbal communication to succeed in this job.
I am ethical and moral.
The expert witness testimony that a these nurses offers can determine a suspect’s guilt or innocence in a criminal trial. It is crucial that you give honest and accurate testimony.
I am not squeamish about bodily fluids.
They are required to preserve biological samples like saliva, blood and semen for use in police investigation. If bodily fluids make you uncomfortable, this might be a poor career choice for you.
I can keep track of many things at the same time
Academic Degrees
What academic levels are available in this field?
Credentials in this field are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. After you complete an undergraduate program at the associates or bachelors level, you can earn a graduate certificate. Or, you can enter a masters degree program. In either case, you may not enter a program until you have become a licensed registered nurse.
Education Requirements
How long would it take me to finish school and join this career field?
It takes about 3 to 6 years, depending on the educational path that you choose. No matter what, you must become a licensed registered nurse before you can pursue this specialization. After you are licensed, you can earn the qualifications by completing a graduate certificate or a masters degree.
A graduate certificate will take between 4 and 12 months to earn. The quickest way to become a forensic nurse is to earn a graduate certificate after you graduate with an Associate of Science in Nursing, which typically takes 2 years. You can also earn a graduate certificate after you graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Bachelors degree programs typically take 4 years to complete.
Another option is to earn a masters degree, which requires 1 to 2 years of study. To be admitted into a masters program, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Bachelors Degree
Bachelors degree programs in this subject are extremely rare. If you want to enter the field, you need to get a graduate certificate or a masters degree.
Certificate
A graduate certificate is the fastest way to enter this career path. To earn a graduate certificate, you will first have to complete an Associate of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and obtain a registered nursing license.
How long will I have to study to earn my graduate certificate?
After you complete your associates or bachelors degree in nursing, a graduate certificate can be earned in 12 to 20 credit hours, or in 1 year or less.
What types of courses will I take while studying for my certificate?
You will take a variety of courses relating to both the medical field and the criminal justice field. Exact courses vary by program, but you are likely to take medical classes like injury identification, biological evidence collection and nursing law and ethics. You will also take classes that introduce you to the fundamentals of forensic science, the criminal justice system and patterns of domestic violence. Many programs also require a short-term clinical practicum of 40 to 60 hours.
What types of jobs can I hope to secure with a certificate?
With a certificate, you can work as a correctional nurse, a legal nurse consultant or a forensic gerontology specialist. In some jurisdictions you will be eligible to work as a death investigator or a sexual assault nurse examiner.
What are the requirements for admission to a certificate program?
Before you can enroll in a certificate program, you will need to earn:
• an Associate of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• a registered nursing license through your state’s nursing board
Some graduate certificate programs also require nursing experience before you enter the program, but many do not.
What about getting a certificate online?
Several schools offer programs online. Earning a certificate online is a viable option if it includes an offline, clinical practicum. Most clinical practicums require 40 to 60 hours of supervised experience. The clinical practicum is essential because it brings the theory-based aspects of an online certificate program in this subject to life in the emergency room. There is no way to test your skills if you do not partake in a clinical practicum, so online certificate programs in this subject that do not require practical experience in a hospital are not recommended.
Bachelors Degree
Bachelors degree programs in this subject are extremely rare. If you want to enter the field, you need to get a graduate certificate or a masters degree.
Masters Degree
A masters degree in this subject takes longer to earn than a graduate certificate, but it will qualify you for a better salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses who possess a masters degree have better job prospects and receive higher pay than nurses without graduate degrees.
What are the different types of masters degrees that I can earn in this subject?
The only masters degree program available in this area is a Master of Science. A masters degree requires students to take a scientific approach to studying nursing using methods of research and evaluation.
How long will I have to study to earn my masters degree?
A masters degree typically requires 36 to 40 credit hours to complete, including a clinical practicum. You can graduate from a masters program in about 2 years.
What types of courses will I take while studying for my masters degree?
As you pursue a masters degree in forensic science, you will take classes that help you develop a theoretical understanding of nursing and the criminal justice system. Although specific courses vary by program, you will take healthcare classes like nursing theory, research methods and healthcare ethics. You will also take classes related to criminal justice like sociology, forensic science, criminal law and theories of violence. Many programs also require a short-term clinical practicum of 40 to 60 hours.
What types of jobs can I hope to secure with a masters degree?
A masters degree will qualify you to work in nearly every area of nursing in forensics. Some career options include correctional nurse, legal nurse consultant, forensic psychiatric nurse and forensic gerontology specialist. You will also be able to work as a death investigator or a sexual assault nurse examiner in certain jurisdictions.
What are the requirements for admission to a masters degree program?
Before you can enroll in a forensic science masters degree program, you will need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. You are also required to be a licensed registered nurse to be admitted.
What about getting an online masters degree?
Some schools offer an online masters degree. As long as your online masters degree includes an offline clinical practicum, there are no drawbacks to pursuing an online program. Most clinical forensic nursing practicums require 40 to 60 hours of supervised experience. The supervised clinical experience helps students to understand the reality of working in traumatic situations. You will not be prepared to work in the emergency room without a clinical practicum.
Licensing Information
What else should I keep in mind when considering studying forensic nursing?
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Certification
If you want to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, you need to earn a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) credential. SANE courses typically require 40 hours of theoretical training and a 40- to 60-hour supervised clinical experience. You can specialize in adult or pediatric examination, or take a 64-hour course that trains you to examine both juveniles and adults. At the end of your training, you will be required to pass a written exam.
To be eligible to earn SANE certification, you must be a registered nurse. Although the SANE certificate will not qualify you for other forensic nursing jobs like corrections nurse or death investigator, it will significantly boost your resume and will qualify you for the most common position in the field of forensic nursing.
Right Choice
Is there anything else I should consider in deciding if this is the right career choice for me?
If you are considering a career in this specialized field, you are in for several years of medical training. You will need to earn your nursing credentials before you can specialize in forensics and you will need to continually update your education throughout your career.
Prerequisite Education and Licensing
Before you can specialize in this field, you must become a licensed registered nurse. All states require nursing students to graduate from an approved nursing program, which takes 2 to 4 years to complete, depending on the educational path that you choose.
You must also pass the national licensing examination, which is called the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN measures your knowledge of safe and effective nursing procedures. As of 2012, nursing students pay $200 to register for the exam. A registered nursing license needs to be renewed periodically. The process and frequency of renewal varies by state, so it is important to know the guidelines of your state.
Continuing
Education
Registered nurses need to be lifelong learners, because they are required to take continuing education credits throughout their careers. Continuing education requirements ensure that nurses stay up to date with medical progress. In addition, nurses with further education are more likely to advance in the field. Exact continuing education requirements for nurses vary by state, so you will need to check with your employer to make sure that you are following the appropriate guidelines.