To become a forensic mental health nurse, you will typically need to complete a degree program in forensic mental health or a related mental health field. This is a highly specific profession that works directly with the victims of various criminal acts. Entering this profession will not only require that you are educated in this field of medicine but you will have to be extremely familiar with legal proceedings and the law in your jurisdiction. There are degree programs that can help you become a forensic mental health nurse and to increase your employment options, you should consider a master's degree in this field.
Prior to entering graduate school, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in a mental health or counseling discipline including psychiatry, psychology, or behavioral science. Some schools offer a master's degree in forensic mental health, which will be the best option if you intend to become a forensic mental health nurse. This program may include advanced courses such as counseling theories, clinical supervision, and crisis management. The latter portion of the graduate degree program is generally focused on research including quantitative reasoning and analysis.
You will also need to participate in several practicums during your graduate studies, which will provide you with the clinical skills to become a forensic mental health nurse. These practicums may cover topics that include interviewing and observational strategies, mental health law, and various counseling techniques. This portion of your education is extremely important because this profession requires that you interact with victims and criminals in many different settings including correctional facilities, hospitals, and juvenile facilities. In order to become a forensic mental health nurse, you will need to display a proficiency in counselor-patient relations.
Some students opt to work in entry-level positions in the mental health field in order to gain practical experience and familiarize themselves with the industry. Once you have completed your education and gained experience, you should seek employment through government agencies, mental health facilities, and other institutions that provide services to victims of crime. Future employers may require that you have a clean criminal background and professional references. In addition to general requirements, you may need to obtain a license to practice this profession in your jurisdiction. You will need to request information from local facilities in order to determine what the requirements are to work in your location and to familiarize yourself with the laws in the area that you intend to work.