FORENSIC NURSING By Abigail Randolph What is Forensic

FORENSIC NURSING By: Abigail Randolph

What is Forensic Nursing? � Forensic Nursing is used to help “investigate crimes like sexual and physical assault, and accidental death. ” � Nurses are trained in medical evidence collection and criminal justice system. � Importance: � Forensic Nurses have the position to observe, collect, and document evidence that will be the foundation for establishing “the legal causation and responsibility for traumatic injury. ”

Job Characteristics � � Forensic Nursing is face-paced, structured, research-oriented, and patient-oriented. Examples of what a Forensic Nurse might do when presented a patient that has experienced an assault: � Taking blood and tissue samples � Photographing and measuring wounds � Collecting other vital evidence from the body � Providing support for the victim

What are the Skill sets needed for a Forensic Nurse? The skill set for a Forensic Nurse are similar to the skill set of the Standard Nurse. Such as: Problem solving abilities Critical thinking Clear verbal and written communication Explaining information to patients in a non-confusing fashion

How does someone become a Forensic Nurse? � There are two ways to become a Forensic Nurse � 1. Obtain general nursing education with a school that offers specific courses in forensic nursing, and after graduation, taking a certification test to become an FRN. � 2. Become a Registered Nurse and obtain at least 3 years of work experience in general medicine. Then specialize in forensics.

Types of Forensic Nurses 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Correctional Nursing Specialist Forensic Gerontology Specialist Forensic Nurse Investigator Forensic Psychiatric Nurse Legal Nurse Consultants Nurse Coroners (Death) Investigator Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

Correctional Nursing Specialist � Provide health care to patients held by the courts. � Includes those in prison, juvenile facilities and other correctional institutions � Nurses in this profession tend to the sick, perform physical examinations and “administer medication to people with chronic needs. ”

Forensic Gerontology Specialist � Help investigate cases that involve abuse, neglect or exploitation of elders. � � Help to raise awareness regarding human rights issues Typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities that care for elderly patients.

Forensic Nurse Investigator � Help with the investigations that involve with an unexpected or violent death. � They examine bodies, study crime scenes, assist with autopsies, and collect medical and other health information on the deceased patient to help determine the cause of death.

Forensic Psychiatric Nurse � � � Specialize in managing offenders with psychological, social, and behavioral disorders. Help with the treatment of patients and provide supervision of select patients within the community. Also assist patients that have experienced or were a witness to emotional trauma.

Legal Nurse Consultant � Aid attorneys with civil cases that involve medical information. � This includes medical malpractice, personal injury, worker’s compensation etc. � Nurses use their training to interpret medically-related evidence that is relevant to the case/claim to the attorneys.

Nurse Coroner (Death) Investigator � These nurses apply their knowledge to crime scene investigations. � Analyze crime scenes � Examine body at the crime scene to determine an approximate time of death � Find medical clues that will help determine the cause of death

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner � Care for victims of sexual assault. � Assess and evaluate injuries � Collect and package forensic evidence that is relevant to the crime � In the court room, the sexual assault nurse examiner represents the victim and serves as an expert witness and offers testimony based on the documented evidence.

Works Cited "Eight Great Forensic Nurse Specialties. "All. Nursing. Schools. All Star Directories, Inc, 7 Jan. 2015. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <http: //www. allnursingschools. com/nursingcareers/article/forensic-nursing/>. "Forensic Nurse. " Johnson and Johnson: The Campaign for Nursing's Future. Johnson & Johnson Services, 1 Oct. 2014. Web. 17 Apr. 2015. <https: //www. discovernursing. com/specialty/forensic-nurse>.

Works Cited Continued "Forensic Nursing 101. " Nursing Link: Where Nurses Call the Shots. Nursing. Link, 1 Jan. 2015. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <http: //nursinglink. monster. com/education/articles/7866 -forensicnursing-101>. Ritualo, K. "What Is Forensic Nursing? " AFN: American Forensic Nurses Est. 1983. AMRN, 1 Jan. 2010. Web. 17 Apr. 2015. <http: //amrn. com/faq. html>.