Inside Forensic Nursing: The Exam, The Work, and How to Get Started

In this episode, I sit down with Haley Krueger-Alyass, a forensic nurse examiner with a background in ER nursing, to talk about a side of nursing that doesn't get nearly enough attention.Haley breaks down what forensic nurses actually do, what a comprehensive forensic exam really involves (hint: it can take up to 10 hours), and why access to this care is a serious gap across the country.She also shares the moment early in her ER career that lit a fire in her, what secondary trauma looks like in this field, and her honest advice for any nurse thinking about making the move into forensics.In this episode we cover:What forensic nursing actually is — and how wide the field really isWhat happens during a comprehensive forensic examThe barriers patients face when trying to access this careWhat certifications exist and how to get startedWhy self-care isn't optional in this workWhether you're a burned-out bedside nurse looking for something more meaningful, or just curious about a path you've never fully understood — this one is worth your time.