Forensic nurses aid law enforcement in the investigation of crimes dealing with sexual assault, domestic abuse, accidental overdose and assaults. Without the important evidence that forensic nurses gather, law enforcement officials would often not have enough evidence to take cases to trial. Forensic nursing is a new specialty nursing field, first officially recognized by the American Nurses Association in 1995. The International Association of Forensic Nurses officially organized in 1993, has over 2,400 members
What is Forensic Nursing?
Forensic nursing is the application of nursing techniques and procedures to obtaining crucial medical evidence needed for documentation in court proceedings. Forensic nurses examine patients, obtain evidence, counsel victims of violent crimes and may testify in court proceedings. Some of the cases forensic nurses handle are victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, child abuse and drug overdoses. Forensic nurses may also deal with victims of catastrophic accidents such as train wrecks.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
A sexual assault nurse examiner is a specialty within a specialty. These nurses obtain certification with a comprehensive 40-hour training program. Training involves collection gathering methods, conducting physical exams, gathering medical history, wound identification, learning how to interview patients, and forensic photography. Sexual assault nurse examiners provide physical examinations to victims of sexual abuse and offer counseling and support.
Forensic Correctional Nurse
Forensic correctional nurses work in a prison setting. They are responsible for dispensing prescribed medication to the inmates, and they often run the prison facility’s hospital. It is often necessary for forensic nurses to gather evidence for legal documentation of any disturbances resulting in injury to inmates. The forensic nurse is often the inmates’ only source of medical attention.
Education and Training
All forensic nurses must be registered nurses. Many universities offer forensic nursing degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including the National Forensic Nursing Institute at the University of Rochester, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and Xavier University. Forensic training includes courses in traumatic wound treatment and identification, advanced documentation techniques and victim counseling.
Job Opportunities
Forensic nursing is one of the fastest-growing specialty nursing professions. With the increase in violent crimes, the need for qualified forensic nurses will continue to grow. Some of the places you can find a job as a forensic nurse are correctional facilities, hospitals, law enforcement agencies and mental health care facilities.
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