Forensic Nursing, the new breed of nurses
by: Larry Ford
With the continuing rise in crime rates, the forensic nursing is becoming a popular area of the U.S. judicial system. Forensic nursing is one of the newest forms of forensic sciences recognized by the American Nurses Association. The new field combines the health care profession with the judicial system.
Nurses trained in forensic nursing are needed quickly and appropriately gather evidence that can be used in a court of law. With the collection of forensic information, they also attest to test their skills.
The appeal of forensic nursing is mainly with victims of violence. Many people are victims because social workers, doctors, police etc. This can be hard on the victim. Having an expert who can do everything from beginning to end, including going to trial, it would be much less stressful for the victim.
Because forensic nursing is an emerging specialty and more, it offers great opportunities for recent nursing graduates and experienced RN looking for a career change.
In 1992, approximately seventy nurses gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the first national convention of nurses sexual assault. This agreement led to the founding of the IAFN, the International Association of Nurses Forensic.
Their mission was the concept of nurses willing to devote their energies and resources to develop a role in nursing that may have an impact on the future of forensic medicine and the health care industry.
Nurses in forensic practice in many fields. They range from nurses who specialize in domestic violence, emergency trauma and sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE), witch SANE's are often the entry point into forensic nursing. Nurses can also be used in court as legal consultants or lawyers nurse.
The education for forensic nursing vary. Degree programs are available in forensic nursing but are not required for entry into the profession. Certification courses required for the program SANE is a good start.
Employers specialists in forensic nursing also vary. They include acute healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, county prosecutors, the office of coroner, medical examiner offices, insurance companies and psychiatric facilities.
Another possibility is working independently on a per job basis to all these employers - Starting a Business in forensic nursing.
The industry of forensic nursing is that more and more attractive for nurses who want to really make a difference in the community around them. This is an opportunity for them to help victims of abuse and helping the perpetrators to get help.
About the author
Larry Ford runs a website providing information for forensic nursing. You can find the following address: www.forensicnursingzone.com