Forensic Nursing Science

Overview of Forensic Nursing Science

  • Forensic nursing science has emerged as a distinctive discipline crucial for both the healthcare and justice systems.
  • It integrates forensic sciences with nursing practices to address the needs of vulnerable populations in crisis.
  • Forensic nursing is practiced by registered nurses at all levels, from generalists to advanced practitioners.

Role of Forensic Nurses

  • Forensic nurses are trained to perform individual or group interventions, providing both scientific and humanitarian support.
  • They focus on marginalized groups such as women, children, the damaged, and the disabled, offering protection against harm.
  • Comprehensive functions of forensic nurses include:
    • Clinical investigation of trauma and recovery.
    • Medical evidence collection and assessment.
    • Providing direct services to:
    • Victims
    • Suspects
    • Perpetrators
    • Witnesses of violence.
  • Responsibilities entail:
    • Identifying, assessing, intervening, and evaluating trauma and disease.
    • Documenting findings and preserving evidence for legal cases to enhance patient care.

Interdisciplinary Role in Healthcare

  • Forensic nursing formulates collaborative relationships in healthcare and legal sectors.
  • Forensic nurses serve as influential partners, merging law enforcement with healthcare to address wider social issues.
  • They embody shared intelligence, enhancing practice and research in their fields.

Violence and Health

  • Violence and its resultant trauma are pervasive global health problems.
  • Healthcare providers have a joint responsibility with legal entities to protect patients' rights, not just law enforcement.

Forensic Cases and Legal Perspectives

  • Every trauma patient should be regarded as a forensic case until any questioning of liability is resolved.
  • There was historically a divide wherein nurses were trained to focus solely on patients' stated injuries, leaving the investigation of underlying causes to law enforcement.

Evolution of Nursing's Role in Addressing Violence

  • In 1979, the US Surgeon General's report "Healthy People" emphasized the need to address interpersonal violence impacting public health outcomes.
  • Accountability for violence-related health issues was reiterated by US Surgeon General C. Everett Koop in 1989, linking public health professionals to the responsibility shared with law enforcement.
  • The Surgeon General's workshop on violence and public health highlighted various forms of violence including:
    • Domestic violence
    • Child abuse
    • Elder abuse
    • Rape
    • Homicide
    • Traumatic accidents
  • The assertion is made that "no segment of society can be considered immune" from the impact of violence.

Conclusion

  • Forensic nursing science is integral in addressing both healthcare and legal issues.
  • It challenges traditional boundaries and recognizes the nurse's role in identifying and acting upon instances of violence, ultimately aiming for improved health outcomes and justice for victims.