Forensic Nurse Role
Forensic Nurses serve a special role in treating patients of physical and sexual abuse. They are not only on the front line of treating wounds of assault, they also play a crucial role in collecting and preserving evidence that can later be applicable in a criminal case against the perpetrator.
Forensic Nurses are not only treaters of physical wounds, but also mental ones. Forensic Nurses help apply basic psychological first aid for victims experiencing trauma. This involves skills in crisis intervention but also high-level training in trauma informed care.
Forensic Nurses also play a legal role in reporting violence and advocating for victims. This means many times, forensic nurses play a key role as expert witnesses in criminal prosecution in court as well as front line educators about abuse and prevention of it.
If you are a nurse, especially a SANE certified nurse, then AIHCP’s Forensic Nurse Certification can add education, more credibility and additional training to your background and resume.
GENERAL COMPONENTS AND ROLE ACTIVITIES
- Provide care for victims of sexual abuse, trauma, and abuse
- Evaluate and treat physical injuries associated with abuse and trauma
- Collect physical evidence via swabs or collection and preserve for future criminal prosecution
- Apply exams and physical evaluations with empathy and care to prevent causing further trauma
- Document, photograph, and preserve evidence for future criminal prosecution
- Seal and bag evidence properly for future criminal prosecution
- Provide psychological first aid to victims as well as trauma informed care and crisis intervention when required
- Report abuse to proper authorities
- Aid in testimony of criminal cases as an expert witness
- Promote community outreach programs for general public health regarding violence prevention, and awareness of domestic violence, sexual abuse and physical violence
Are you interested in becoming a Certified Forensic Nurse? If this practice specialty interests you then please review our certification program and feel free to speak with our advisors regarding our complete education program and courses leading to qualifications to achieve the certification.