Introduction to Forensic Nursing

Forensic nursing is a growing speciality that focuses on providing care when legal difficulties arise. A patient who has been physically assaulted or sexually abused may need to provide evidence of wrongdoing in a court of law. This course equips nurses with skills in gathering evidence as soon they come into contact with a victim to provide treatment and care. We will introduce the scientific concepts of forensics in nursing, guidelines for medical care, and evidence-based treatment.

A forensic mental health nurse often plays an important role in dealing with mentally ill people who have been accused of or convicted of crimes. Patients who have been abused in any way or who have been in a serious accident have forensic needs, too. However, when emergency clinicians treat wounds without thinking about their forensic significance, they may misinterpret or not document evidence of the wounds well enough. You will learn about the investigation of trauma, evidence documentation, risk management, and quality improvement.

Furthermore, you will discover various skill sets that enable forensic nurses to perform their tasks efficiently through competent forensic science methodologies. With regards to child and elder abuse, we will examine their definitions, the dynamics of these types of abuse and how to manage them. Lastly, you will discover death investigation systems and the role certified forensic nurses play when deaths occur. Start learning today!