What is Forensic Nursing? With a growing population that is aging, there is a high demand for nurses. In the field of nursing, there is a need for nurses that are specialized with advanced education and training. Nursing specialties are areas in nursing that require additional training and focus. Forensic nursing is a specialized area of nursing that brings together both law and medicine. The International Association of Forensic Nurses (n.d) defines forensic nursing as “the practice of nursing globally when health and legal systems intersect” (para.1). Bader (2012) stated that ‘the American Academy of Forensic Science, established in 1948, was the first professional organization to recognize forensic nursing as an official scientific
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In the scope and standards of practice, a designated time frame should be implemented. The philosophy that surrounds the changes in protocol is one of preserving the patient’s dignity. Waiting more than one hour in an exam room after a rape or sexual assault can affect the dignity of a patient. Forensic nurses are held to legal accountability as a forensic nurse “often collects evidence, provides medical testimony in court, and consults with legal authorities” (IAFN, n.d, para 4). Providing dignity and respect to each patient is at the core of forensic nursing. In critical care situations and when trauma is involved, partnering with other health care professionals as well as the local authorities allows the patient to receive the care they need in a timely manner. This can range from lab work to counseling. Written communication in forensic nursing in crucial to the patient’s record both medically and legally. Technology allows healthcare authorities and local authorities to communicate. In England, forensics nurse examiners use technology to communicate with the local police departments. Nurse Michelle McTigue explained that “The way that we are set up now means examinations can take place in 60 minutes are receiving a call from the police” (as cited in Learner, 2012, p.22). This protocol should be …show more content…
(2013). Respecting dignity in forensic care: the challenge faced by nurses of maintaining patient dignity in clinical caring situations. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, (20)1, 1-8. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.jvlapps.nsuok.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=7866ae72-14fe-4569-baf4-8363b9143965%40sessionmgr103&vid=9&hid=120
International Association of Forensic Nurses. (n.d) What is Forensic Nursing? Retrieved from http://www.forensicnurses.org/?page=whatisfn#
Learner, S (2012). Compassion in a time of crisis. Nursing Standard, 26(18), 22-23. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.jvlapps.nsuok.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=7866ae72-14fe-4569-baf4-8363b9143965%40sessionmgr103&vid=5&hid=120
McDonald, S (2012). The first twenty years: Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the International Association of Forensic Nurses. On the Edge, (18)2, 1-14. Retrieved from
In the scope and standards of practice, a designated time frame should be implemented. The philosophy that surrounds the changes in protocol is one of preserving the patient’s dignity. Waiting more than one hour in an exam room after a rape or sexual assault can affect the dignity of a patient. Forensic nurses are held to legal accountability as a forensic nurse “often collects evidence, provides medical testimony in court, and consults with legal authorities” (IAFN, n.d, para 4). Providing dignity and respect to each patient is at the core of forensic nursing. In critical care situations and when trauma is involved, partnering with other health care professionals as well as the local authorities allows the patient to receive the care they need in a timely manner. This can range from lab work to counseling. Written communication in forensic nursing in crucial to the patient’s record both medically and legally. Technology allows healthcare authorities and local authorities to communicate. In England, forensics nurse examiners use technology to communicate with the local police departments. Nurse Michelle McTigue explained that “The way that we are set up now means examinations can take place in 60 minutes are receiving a call from the police” (as cited in Learner, 2012, p.22). This protocol should be …show more content…
(2013). Respecting dignity in forensic care: the challenge faced by nurses of maintaining patient dignity in clinical caring situations. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, (20)1, 1-8. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.jvlapps.nsuok.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=7866ae72-14fe-4569-baf4-8363b9143965%40sessionmgr103&vid=9&hid=120
International Association of Forensic Nurses. (n.d) What is Forensic Nursing? Retrieved from http://www.forensicnurses.org/?page=whatisfn#
Learner, S (2012). Compassion in a time of crisis. Nursing Standard, 26(18), 22-23. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.jvlapps.nsuok.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=7866ae72-14fe-4569-baf4-8363b9143965%40sessionmgr103&vid=5&hid=120
McDonald, S (2012). The first twenty years: Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the International Association of Forensic Nurses. On the Edge, (18)2, 1-14. Retrieved from