The Role Forensic Nursing plays in Criminal Justice

There is a specific role of a forensic nurse and forensic nurses to play in the criminal justice field. Frequently, certified forensic nurses handle the difficult job of treating sexual assault victims and collecting evidence. In many cases, this career field will attract college-educated female nurses. However, with the increased recognition of underserved male assault victims, more men are expected in the profession. The female forensic nurse bridges is an important gap between clinical medicine and laboratory science. Genetic technology can help identify and prosecute criminals like never before. At the same time, this evidence can often clear an innocent party. A certified forensic nursing specialist will be on-site when the victim arrives at the hospital. He or she will try to gather genetic evidence and provide comfort to the patient. As a recognized court expert, the nurse may be asked to testify at a criminal trial. Courts increasingly recognize nurse experts just as they do detectives.
By Ryan Murphy