Forensic nursing is the application of forensic science combined with the bio-psychological education and experience of the registered nurse to the medical-legal investigation of injury or death of victims of violence, criminal activity, and traumatic accidents. The forensic nurse functions as a staff nurse, nurse scientist, nurse investigator, or independent consulting nurse specialist to public or private operatives or individuals. There are several subspecialties within forensic nursing, including sexual assault nurse examiners, nurse death investigators, forensic psychiatric nurses, legal nurse consultants, and clinical forensic nurses.