Background This study aimed to examine the frequency of performing forensic tasks among the Emergency Department nursing staff and to understand the nursing staff's perceived importance of these tasks.Method A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between November 16, 2023 and April 5, 2024. The sample included 438 nurses working in the Emergency Department in Israeli hospitals, using an online questionnaire with demographic and professional details and forensic interventions' frequency and perceived importance. The data were analyzed using various statistical models include Pearson correlations, independent-samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and a hierarchical linear regression model.Results The participants' ages ranged between 23-76 (M = 39.66, SD = 8.83) and the participants' mean professional experience was 10.75 years (SD = 39.66, Range = 0.1-43). Only a minority of participants had received training in forensic nursing during their studies (7.5%), but most (88.4%) expressed wishes to receive training in this area. The frequency of performed forensic tasks was relatively low (M = 2.26) on a scale from 1 to 5, indicating that the ED nurses perform such tasks infrequently. The importance of performing forensic tasks was perceived as relatively high (M = 4.01) on a scale from 1 to 5, indicating that the ED nurses recognize the importance of these tasks. Older nurses, those with a master's degree, those with greater professional experience, and those wishing to receive training in forensic nursing were positively connected with the perceived importance.Conclusions The low frequency of performing forensic tasks probably stems from lack of knowledge, training, protocols, and appropriate equipment. Despite this, the perceived importance is high. This reflects the increasing incidence of trauma and violence in Israeli society, particularly after 7 October 2023. The study suggests that Israel should apply a policy change and introduce forensic nursing to the nursing curriculum.