7 minute read
Unveiling Forensic Nursing
UNIQUE NURSING ROLES
Investigating The Diverse Role of Forensic Nursing
By April Rowe, RN
FORENSIC NURSING is a unique and often overlooked role that plays a crucial part in the healthcare system. Many people, including nurses, may not be familiar with this specialty. Forensics is an incredibly important nursing role that deserves recognition. A forensic nurse is the ultimate patient advocate, making a profound impact on the lives of children and adults who are in their darkest hour.
Forensic nurses are specially trained professionals who possess exceptional assessment skills and have at least two years of nursing experience. They work closely with victims of violence and assault, providing them with compassionate care and support during a very traumatic time. These nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skills to collect crucial evidence, document injuries, and provide expert testimony if needed in legal proceedings.
A forensic nurse is the ultimate patient advocate, making a profound impact on the lives of children and adults who are in their darkest hour.
WHAT DO FORENSIC NURSES ACTUALLY DO?
The role of a forensic nurse extends beyond traditional healthcare settings. They may work in hospitals, clinics, law enforcement agencies, psychiatric or correctional facilities, coroner’s offices, or within community outreach programs. Their expertise is invaluable in cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence, death investigations, child abuse, elder abuse, and other forms of interpersonal violence.
Mary Salmond, MSN, RN, CA-CP SANE, from Texas, is an experienced nurse of over 14 years, nine of which she has worked in forensics. She has performed over 400 forensic examinations. As an expert in her field, she unveiled the role of forensic nurses and what it’s truly like to work in this distinctive role.
“There are several different options as a forensic nurse. You can become certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) for adults and adolescents or pediatrics, or work in intimate partner violence or child physical abuse,” explained Mary. These nurses provide direct patient care by assessing victims, gathering evidence, and completing thorough documentation, all while building the trust of the victims and creating a rapport with them.
I get to be that compassionate, caring person, on the worst day of someone’s life.
“Our nurses are the first ones to touch base with the patient, and we use the medical forensic exam that we’re trained to do as a sexual assault nurse examiner. We identify a normal skin variant and an injury, and we apply that to any patient who’s experienced violence. We see child physical abuse cases, sexual assaults, strangulation cases, and intimate partner violence,” added Mary.
She discussed the usual encounter with victims of violence. “I start the assessment with the patient’s subjective complaint and get a [full] history from the patient. Then, my physical assessment will hone in and look for injuries where I know there was penetration, and that’s where I swab for potential DNA evidence. I’m also going to test for infections, like chlamydia.”
During this very personal and vulnerable exam, the nurse must remain professional but also convey a genuinely caring and empathetic demeanor. “I get to be that compassionate, caring person on the worst day of someone’s life. I provide that safe space for them that they may not have otherwise, and I provide trauma-informed care,” said Mary.
FORENSIC NURSES HAVE THEIR DAY IN COURT
When nurses hear the word court, they may immediately think of being summoned to give a deposition every nurse’s worst nightmare! But for forensic nurses, a day in court is their chance to advocate for their patients. “When going into court, you’re not defending your documentation; you are educating the jury about what you do as a forensic nurse, and you explain the forensic medical exam,” Mary noted.
Not all forensic nurses go to court regularly. Of the 400-plus exams that Mary has performed, she has only been to court 13 times. Thankfully, her employer compensates her time for court proceedings, which is not always the case.
EMBRACING THE REWARDS AND CHALLENGES
Working with victims of violence is not for everyone. It’s difficult and emotional to assess and document the abuse and sexual assault of children and adults, but it is also rewarding to be able to help someone in such a traumatic situation.
Mary stated that a negative aspect of this career is “vicarious trauma.” She added, “One of the hardest parts is the child physical abuse deaths. Those are the ones that really stick with you.” All nurses must try to compartmentalize the stresses and traumas we experience on the job, and forensic nurses are certainly in this category. Practicing self-care and confronting difficult emotions are important in preventing nursing burnout.
Starting forensic nursing is like being a [new grad] nurse again. You have to give yourself grace. It’s going to take about a year until you start to gain confidence.
HOW TO BECOME A FORENSIC NURSE
Nurses interested in forensics should have at least two years of experience and must be highly skilled at conducting comprehensive assessments. Every state has different regulations for forensic nursing, so search your local requirements and seek out certification as a SANE. There is a master’s degree program available in forensic nursing, but it is not a requirement to practice as one.
You should expect to have extensive training as a new hire forensic nurse. It is not like any other typical nursing role. “Starting forensic nursing is like being a [new grad] nurse again. You have to give yourself grace. It’s going to take about a year until you start to gain confidence,” Mary stated.
EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY
In addition to clinical duties, forensic nurses also play a vital role in educating communities about violence prevention and promoting awareness about the importance of forensic evidence collection. They work collaboratively with law enforcement personnel, social workers, counselors, and legal professionals to ensure that victims receive comprehensive care while also contributing to the pursuit of justice.
Education is an essential aspect of forensic nursing. Not only do these nurses educate patients, but they also focus on educating other nurses and healthcare professionals. “I educate others on how to care for these patients, so I’m able to make an impact throughout the whole community,” she added.
Mary will also be presenting the following courses at the NurseCon at Sea 2024 cruise to Mexico: Forensic Nursing and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE): Providing Compassionate Care and Legal Expertise; Navigating Intimate Partner Violence and Non-Fatal Strangulation; Comprehensive Pediatric Care in Cases of Abuse and Exploitation: Recognizing Red Flags and Ensuring Safety.
Forensic nursing would be a perfect fit for nurses who have a passion for helping vulnerable populations and seeking justice for those who have experienced trauma. It is a challenging but very fulfilling nursing role that combines medical expertise with legal advocacy. Join us on the 2024 NurseCon at Sea cruise to Mexico and learn from Mary first-hand about the unique nursing role of forensics.
APRIL ROWE is a registered nurse in the NICU, a freelance writer, and owner of RNtoPen. She loves spending time with her family, is an avid traveler, and is passionate about learning Italian.
2024 Presenter, NurseCon at Sea to Mexico
Mary Salmond, MSN, RN, CA-CP SANE
TOPICS
Forensic Nursing and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE): Providing Compassionate Care and Legal Expertise
Navigating Intimate Partner Violence and Non-Fatal Strangulation
Comprehensive Pediatric Care in Cases of Abuse and Exploitation: Recognizing Red Flags and Ensuring Safety
