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Forensic Nursing: It’s Not Just CSI Is forensic nursing the career for you? Definition of Forensic Nursing: The application of the forensic aspects of health care, combined with the bio-psychosocial education of the Registered Nurse in the scientific investigation and treatment of trauma and/or death o f victims and perpetrators of violence, criminal activity and traumatic accidents. The forensic nurse provides direct services to individual clients, consultation services to nursing, medical and law related agencies, as well as providing expert court testimony in areas dealing with questioned death investigative processes, adequacy of services delivery and specialized diagnoses (Lynch, 1991). What is a forensic nurse? At some point in every nurse’s career, they will be faced with the responsibility of caring for a patient who has been the victim of violence or the suspected perpetrator of a crime. This population has special needs. Forensic Nursing provides a basis for building a practice that focuses upon identifying, treating and referring to appropriate agencies victims of violence. This new specialty allows the nurse to provide the holistic care these patients require. Who is a forensic nurse?  A forensic nurse is a registered nurse that has received extensive, specialized training to care for victims and suspected offenders of crime. The role of the forensic nurse includes initial crisis intervention, assessment, evidence collection, discharge planning and courtroom testimony. How does a forensic nurse receive training? Currently, most nurses become Forensic Nurses through continuing education courses, however more colleges and universities are developing forensic nursing tracks at the under graduate and graduate level. Oone of the best ways to begin is by doing some research on the subject via the internet. The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) ) and the Forensic Education link on this website that are filled with information and resources. Additionally, contacting a forensic nurse in your area is an excellent way to discover what opportunities are available. Are there sub-specialties within forensic nursing? Yes, within forensic nursing there are a variety of roles in which to practice. These include: Clinical Forensic Nurse Specialists Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) Legal Nurse Consultants Pediatric Forensic Nurses Correctional Nurses Nurse Attorneys Nurse Death Investigators/Nurse Coroners Forensic Psychiatric Nurses
Is there a Forensic Nurse Certification? (Excerpt from the IAFN Web Site) The IAFN through its’ Forensic Nursing Certification Board currently offers the SANE-A credential, a professional certification for sexual assault nurse examinersadult/adolescent. SANE-A is the earned credential which recognizes that the highest standards of forensic nursing for sexual assault nurse examiners have been achieved. Nurses with SANE-A after their name are Board-Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners-Adult/Adolescent. Earning certification demonstrates professional commitment, a key capacity of leadership. Nurses who take the extra step to become certified in their specialty document their commitment to quality care. Specialty certification is increasingly becoming an essential nursing credential. How do I become a SANE/Forensic Nurse? The basic course consists of a weeklong didactic training program followed by 6 months to a year of preceptored clinical requirements. This prepares the nurse to care for the adult and adolescent forensic patient. If the nurse chooses to care for pediatric patients, then they would be required to attend a Pediatric Forensic Nurse Training consisting of both a didactic and clinical component. The pediatric training can require an additional 18 months to complete. Don't forget to check the Forensic Education link regularly for educational opprotunities!!
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