Most healthcare professionals receive little to no training regarding abuse and neglect. Many are unaware of the special needs of these patients. Victims that presented to hospitals for evidence collection and treatment were often made to wait in busy, public waiting areas. Upon examination, the patient would receive fragmented and often insensitive care. It was not until dedicated nurses tackled this problem that these patients began to receive the level of quality services that they deserved. This was emergence of Forensic Nursing.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, nurse performed examinations to confirm the virginity of women who were marrying into royalty. They also conducted evaluations on sexual assault victims, thus, unknowingly, practicing Forensic Nursing. In Canada, in the 1970's the Chief Medical Examiner began to train nurses to assist with death investigations. By 1979, nurses began to identify the special needs of the sexual assault patient. In Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas and California, the role of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner was developed. Each of these teams worked independently of the other. The specialty of Forensic Nursing became organized during the 1980's. Born out from this is the International Association of Forensic Nursing, an organization dedicated to education and collaboration of Forensic Nurses around the world.

In 1995, the American Nurses Association designated Forensic Nursing as a nursing specialty. Scope and standards of practice have been written. Educational guidelines are being developed and certifications are being explored.

Forensic Nursing is defined as the application of the forensic aspects of healthcare combined with the bio-psychosocial education of the Registered Nurse in the scientific investigation and treatment of trauma and/or death of victims and perpetrators of violence, criminal activity and traumatic accidents (Lynch, 1991). The nurse's knowledge is drawn from the following areas: Nursing Science, Forensic Science and Criminal Justice. As a result of this cross training, the responsibility in protecting the legal, civil, human and constitutional rights of victims and perpetrators of crime is assumed along with law enforcement and court systems. Within this specialty, there are many different roles in which the nurse may practice.

Roles Within Forensic Nursing:

- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
- Clinical Forensic Nurse
- Legal Nurse Consultant
- Forensic Psychiatric Nurse
- Correctional Nurse
- Nurse Attorney
- Nurse Coroner or Death Investigator

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner or SANE is a Registered Nurse who has completed both classroom and clinical training in caring for patients who have been sexually assaulted. The training mainly targets evidence collection for the adult population. With experience and further education, the nurse is educated regarding the interpretation of findings associated with child sexual abuse. SANE Teams may be hospital based, free standing clinics or found in Rape Crisis Centers. The nurses are employed either by hospitals, crisis centers, police departments or prosecuting attorneys.

The Clinical Forensic Nurses cares for all types of victims of violence. This nurse conducts forensic evaluations for any patient that presents with medico-legal needs. Any living victim and/or suspect may benefit from the objective forensic evaluation that is conducted.

A Legal Nurse Consultant works with attorneys. A variety of cases are handled from malpractice to personal injury. Policies and procedures are studied and the documentation of nursing actions is reviewed. This nurse also assists attorneys with preparing for trial proceedings and may even testify in some instances.

Forensic Psychiatric Nurses and Correctional Nurses function in institutions and facilities, working with the accused. Forensic needs are identified and treatments are made available.

The death investigation can be a complex one. To assist in this endeavor, Forensic Nurses are becoming Coroners and Death Investigators. These nurse collection. Medical Examiners and Coroners utilize their expertise throughout the country and around the world. s have knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology and forensic evidence.