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Frequently Asked Questions about Forensic Nursing1. What is Forensic Nursing?
The definition of forensic nursing is continually evolving. In 1997 it was defined as "the application of forensic science combined with the bio-psychological education of the registered nurse, in the scientific investigation, evidence collection and preservation, analysis, prevention and treatment of trauma and/or death related medical-legal issues." (IAFN/ANA, 1997)
In 1998 that definition was expanded as follows. "Forensic Nursing is the application of nursing science to public or legal proceedings; 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 of victims and perpetrators of abuse, violence, criminal activity and traumatic accidents." (IAFN 1998)
"Forensic Nursing is the health care response to (criminal and interpersonal) violence. Identification of crime victims, prevention of further injury or death due to cyclical violence, and early detection of potentially abusive situations are critical steps to stem the effects of human violence. Forensic Nursing provides a continuity of care from the emergency department and/or crime scene to courts of law… and a wider role in the investigation of crime and the legal process that contributes to a safer, healthier society." (IAFN, 1998)
2. What do Forensics Nurses actually do?
"Forensic Nurses work with patients who are in some way involved in the criminal justice system. That is, patients who have allegedly committed or who have been convicted of a criminal offence, or alleged victims of crime. The word "forensic" comes from the Latin word ‘forensis’ meaning public debate. The word forensic is used now to describe the debates that occur in courts of law and is even more broadly defined as any matter that is "pertaining to the law." (Evans, Wells, 1999)
"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 trauma and/or questioned death investigative processes, adequacy of services delivery and specialized diagnoses of specific conditions as related to nursing." (IAFN 1998)
The services provided by forensic nurses can include examination of victims of abuse, sexual assault, violence, trauma or death, with documentation of injuries and findings, both in the written record and photographically. These services can include recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence, either from the victim, the victim’s clothing or from the scene of the crime, accident or injury. These services can include examination of suspects for injuries, as well as collection of trace evidence and/or exemplars to be used for comparison to those found on the victim or at the scene. These services can include the collection of legal blood and urine specimens for alcohol and drug testing. These services can include providing physical and emotional comfort to victims and their family members, as well as help with decisions about organ and tissue donation. These services can include examining medical records for any clues as to cause and manner of death, or to possible liability in civil or criminal proceedings.
Services provided by forensic nurses can include assessments of infants, children, teenagers, adults and the elderly; of the mentally well and the mentally ill; of the victim or the offender; of the innocent as well as the convicted and the incarcerated; of the living as well as the dead.
This page was last modified: 10 August 1999, by R.A. Lloyd of Dream Weaver Productions