By – James M. Katz, BA
Working in the healthcare education field, I have seen first-hand the vital role that forensic nursing training plays in both patient care and legal proceedings. Forensic nursing is a specialized field of nursing that combines medical care with the criminal justice system. Forensic nurses are trained to provide care to patients who have experienced trauma, collect and preserve evidence, and testify in court as expert witnesses. They are extremely valuable to the criminal justice system and help many victims receive justice.
The article below showcases the ever growing need for forensic nurses and the increased need for Forensic Nursing Training. It is an excellent read and further illustrates the need for more nursing professionals in the forensic field.
UCHealth’s team of forensic nurses cared for 2,515 children and adults in this city last year who were sexually assaulted, choked or beaten and in need of a medical exam that could become evidence in a criminal case.
These exams — more than six per day on average — took place mostly in Memorial Hospital’s emergency department, a Level I trauma center punctuated by the sounds of beeping machines, shouting amongst doctors treating gunshot victims, and law officers standing guard outside of patient rooms.
Commentary:
The Role of Forensic Nurses in Patient Care and Legal Proceedings
Forensic nurses play a critical role in both patient care and legal proceedings. In terms of patient care, forensic nurses are trained to treat patients who have experienced trauma, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. They are also trained to collect and preserve evidence, such as DNA samples, photographs, and medical records. This evidence can be used in legal proceedings to help ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
In legal proceedings, forensic nurses are often called upon to testify as expert witnesses. They can provide testimony about the injuries sustained by the victim, the collection and preservation of evidence, and the medical treatment that was provided. This testimony can be crucial in helping to secure a conviction and ensuring that justice is served.
Importance of Forensic Nursing Training
Forensic nursing is a complex and specialized field that requires extensive training. Without proper training, forensic nurses may not be able to provide the level of care that is required or may not be able to collect and preserve evidence properly. Additionally, without proper training, forensic nurses may not be able to testify effectively in court.
Forensic nursing training is critical to ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and that justice is served in legal proceedings. Forensic nursing training provides nurses with the knowledge and skills they need to provide comprehensive care to patients who have experienced trauma. It also provides nurses with the training they need to collect and preserve evidence properly, which can be critical in securing a conviction.
Types of Forensic Nursing Training
There are several types of forensic nursing training available, including continuing education courses, certification programs, and degree programs. Continuing education courses are designed to provide ongoing education to nurses who are already working in the field. Certification programs are designed to provide nurses with a credential that demonstrates their expertise in forensic nursing. Degree programs, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a forensic nursing specialization, are designed to provide nurses with advanced knowledge and skills in the field.
Benefits of Forensic Nursing Training for Nurses and Patients
Forensic nursing training provides a wide range of benefits for both nurses and patients. For nurses, forensic nursing training can lead to increased job satisfaction, higher salaries, and more career opportunities. For patients, forensic nursing can lead to better outcomes, including improved physical and mental health, greater access to justice, and increased safety.
By providing comprehensive care to patients who have experienced trauma, forensic nurses can help to reduce the long-term physical and psychological effects of trauma. Additionally, by collecting and preserving evidence properly, forensic nurses can help to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Challenges Faced by Forensic Nurses and How Training Can Help
Forensic nursing is a challenging and often emotionally taxing field. Forensic nurses may be exposed to graphic and disturbing images and may be required to testify in court, which can be stressful and intimidating. Additionally, forensic nurses may face challenges related to the collection and preservation of evidence, such as a lack of resources or support.
Forensic nursing training can help to address these challenges by providing nurses with the knowledge and skills they need to cope with the emotional demands of the field. It can also provide nurses with the training they need to overcome challenges related to evidence collection and preservation.
Forensic Nursing Certifications and Qualifications
Certifications and qualifications are an important part of the forensic nursing field. Forensic nursing certifications, such as the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certification, demonstrate a nurse’s expertise in the field and can help to increase their job opportunities and salary. Qualifications, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a forensic nursing specialization, can provide nurses with advanced knowledge and skills in the field.
It’s important to note that forensic nursing certifications and qualifications vary by state and by institution. It’s important for nurses to research the requirements in their state or institution before pursuing certification or further education.
Conclusion: The Importance of Investing in Forensic Nursing Training
Forensic nursing is a vital and specialized field that requires extensive training. Forensic nurses play a critical role in providing care to patients who have experienced trauma and in ensuring that justice is served in legal proceedings. Forensic nursing training provides nurses with the knowledge and skills they need to provide comprehensive care to patients and to collect and preserve evidence properly.
Investing in forensic nursing training is critical to ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and that justice is served in legal proceedings. By providing nurses with the training they need to excel in the field, we can ensure that the forensic nursing profession continues to grow and provide the best possible care to patients.
With a growing need and a stable job market, becoming a forensic nurse is a great way to further your nursing career. If you feel Forensic Nursing would be a good idea for you, please feel free to visit our Forensic Nursing Certification webpage.
References:
International Association of Forensic Nurses –
Additional Resources:
The opinions of senior nursing students about forensic nursing. Topçu, E.T., Kazan, E.E. Egypt J Forensic Sci 8, 16 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-018-0045-y
Forensic clinical nurses in emergency departments: An emerging need for New Zealand. Donaldson, A. (2019). Kaitiaki Nursing Research, 10(1), 54–58. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.836998773269269
Evolution of Forensic Nursing Theory–Introduction of the Constructed Theory of Forensic Nursing Care: A Middle-Range Theory. Valentine JL, Sekula LK, Lynch V. J Forensic Nurs. 2020 Oct/Dec;16(4):188-198. doi: 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000287. PMID: 32379251; PMCID: PMC7678647.
The polymorphism of crime scene investigation: An exploratory analysis of the influence of crime and forensic intelligence on decisions made by crime scene examiners. Tatiana Resnikoff, Et al. Forensic Science International, Volume 257, 2015, Pages 425-434, ISSN 0379-0738.