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The field of forensic nursing is still generally new in title, but has been around in some form or another due to the interest of a registered nurse named Virginia Lynch. As early as the 1980s, she realized that nurses could negatively affect the criminal justice field by inadvertently removing evidence from victims that could be crucial to investigations or trials. Her aim became to have the nursing and criminal justice fields function more effectively side-by-side.
Indeed, many schools now offer programs and training specific to forensic nursing. Below, we list websites that may interest those already working in the forensic nursing field or who plan to be in the field one day. These sites are not just meant to inform, but also to educate, inspire and expand thinking about the forensic nursing field.
International Association of Forensic Nurses: The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN), an international group of forensic nurses and other professionals was founded in 1992 by 72 nurses in Minneapolis, MN. It was dedicated to preventing violence and improving forensic science techniques in the field. The website provided a plethora of information to members and non-members of IAFN alike.
However, on March 9, 2026, IAFN announced “a formal program transfer through which ENA [Emergency Nurses Association] will assume stewardship of IAFN’s membership, continuing education courses and practice resources.”
IAFN’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner – Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner – Pediatric/Adolescent (SANE-P) certifications will be handled going forward by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The transition is expected to take about a year.
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA): As noted above, the IAFN membership is being folded into ENA. ENA is also assuming all educational materials and resources, and will continue to advance “ forensic nursing through education, research, clinical practice standards, and advocacy to ensure that all patients have access to forensic nursing care.”
End Violence Against Women International: This site could provide a wealth of information to forensic nurses and similar working professionals looking for more resources to help prevent violence against women, but also wanting to gain a greater understanding of state and national laws and policies. Among its ample available resources, the End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) website provides information about the Violence Against Women Act (reauthorized in 2005), information related to sexual assault examination laws in each state, and templates for communities to set up anonymous sexual assault reporting.
EVAWI also hosts a conference every year, as well as regional conferences and training related to sexual assault prevention, and more. Any forensic nurse interested in preventing violence and advocating for and protecting victims may find this site a helpful resource.
Nurses in Correctional Facilities: This blog could be a resource for registered nurses or forensic nurses considering a career working in a jail, prison, or correctional facility. Indeed, such nurses may find their work unique in helping inmates, who often suffer from poorer health than the general population. These nurses may help treat or identify a range of patient ailments, from infectious diseases to substance use disorders, and may even take blood or other bodily samples as needed or requested by jailers.
This blog also provides videos showcasing some of the work nurses do in correctional facilities and lists a number of websites and resources relevant to nurses working with this specific population.
Forensic Healthcare Online: The topics broached on this blog could be interesting to anyone considering a forensic nursing career. For example, recent blog posts mention topics such as elder abuse, Domestic Violence Day, sensitive interviewing of children, and sex trafficking of minors in the U.S.
The site is operated by Dr. Jenifer Markowitz, a forensic nursing consultant, educator, and writer, who is certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. She provides longer ‘clinical guides’ on her website that broach topics such as determining the age of bruises, providing court testimony, and the economic cost of violence. She also allows readers to subscribe to her blog and receive emails, as well as offers them an online FHO store with books related to forensic emergency medicine, sexual assault, and more.
Academy of Forensic Nursing (AFN): The vision of AFN is to “respond to trauma with care.” Member benefits include webinars, conferences, and workshops that present a comprehensive selection of classes to meet continuing education requirements. Although the Evidence Technology magazine is no longer published, AFN has made its articles available to members as digital downloads without charge. Members also have access to the forensic nurse leadership series and the Journal of the Academy of Forensic Nursing. All the resources available through AFN are designed to help forensic nurses meet their ongoing educational requirements.
Forensic Nursing Network (FNN): Based in Ohio, but serving forensic nurses everywhere, FNN offers resources and educational materials for nurses dealing with victims of violence. FNN sponsors a SART Symposium annually that is based on “Real Cases. Survivor Voices. Informed Practice.” The 2025 speaker was Jim Schmidt of the Gabby Petito Foundation, and was designed for professionals who respond to violence. FNN also offers numerous training and educational programs, including mentoring. Their resources include assessment forms, guidelines, and instructions for topics that include domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB): Obtaining specialty certifications can often lead to increased employment opportunities and higher salaries. The Forensic Nursing Certification Board provides the resources needed to take certification exams, including everything a nurse needs to prepare. Some, like the micro-certification SVFN-C (Sexual violence forensic nurse-certified), use publicly available resources and proctoring software that allow nurses to take the certification exam from home.
FNCB also has Zoom sessions called Forensic Nurse Friday on the first and third Friday each month. Forensic nurses are also invited to participate in curriculum development.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS): In 2022, the AAFS established the Forensic Nursing Science Section as one of the 12 specializations within the organization. The “Forensic Nursing Science Section members represent the forensic specialist in nursing science, combining the principles and philosophies of the traditional forensic sciences and those of contemporary nursing in the clinical investigation of crime-related trauma, liability issues, and medical deaths.”
The more than 6,500 members come from all 51 states and 71 countries, making AAFA a multidisciplinary scientific organization. Members have opportunities for professional development, networking, and interacting with peers. AAFS provides many resources to members, including a newsletter that keeps them up to date on forensic science news and an annual conference.
Methodology For Choosing the Top Forensic Nursing Websites
The following criteria were used to establish this list of top forensic nursing websites. However, keep in mind that this list is just a snapshot of what may be found on the Internet. Additional forensic nursing websites may also be available.
- Expert Positioning: Sites were operated by professionals working in the field, a board of professionals, or even those in school studying in the field.
- Depth: Provided new or useful information to those already in the forensic nursing field or considering entering it. Many sites offered certification or training programs or the links and resources for obtaining educational credits.
- Visibility: Contained external links to reputable sources that supported or enhanced the credibility of the site. Several sites did this by extensively sourcing the material posted on their sites.
Sandra Smith
WriterSandra Smith worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for a small air-conditioning contractor. She eventually became a CPA and started her own practice specializing in small business taxes and accounting. After retiring from business, she began writing articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites. She also authored four books. Sandra makes her home in the mountains with a rescue dog that naps on her lap as she writes.
Willow Dawn Becker
WriterWillow is a blogger, parent, former educator and regular contributor to www.forensicscolleges.com/. When she's not writing about forensic science, you'll find her blogging about education online, or enjoying the beauty of Oregon.