Forensic Nurses Key In Many Fields

They learn to deal with trauma or death investigations and give care to victims.

Demand for forensic nurses continues to increase dramatically. Special training is needed to apply nursing science to public and legal proceedings, according to the International Association of Forensic Nurses.

At Children's Hospital in Dallas, Texas, nurses conduct interviews in a child-friendly fashion and employ techniques such as play therapy to facilitate assessments. Children either can't or don't know how to verbalize abuse like adults.? The content can be very graphic ? and many times, very emotional ? but it is important to listen and not pass judgment. You can't bring your own biases to the table. These principles guide forensic nurses employed in government agencies, jails and prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and other environments.

"Violence is a public health epidemic and affects us globally," said Patricia A. Crane, a board member of the International Association of Forensic Nurses and an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. "We have a lot of exciting people and opportunity for forensic nurses in a variety of work areas," she added. "There is also a lot of support from government agencies like the attorney general's office."

Forensic nursing is a relatively new specialty, recognized by the American Nurses Association in 1995. Nurses considering this niche should realize that crime scene investigation ? called CSI for short ? don?t unravel as easily as it does on popular television shows. The term "forensic examiner" refers to a professional who performs an orderly analysis, investigation, inquiry, test, inspection, or examination in an attempt to obtain the truth and form an expert opinion.

To become a forensic nurse, a person must be a registered nurse. After specialized training, which also includes several hours with adult and pediatric patients. Specialized training in forensic nursing can take a person down many different paths. Even deciding whether to work with children or adults makes a big impact on a nurse's career.?

To date, specialty areas are being related to forensic nursing. This includes a Forensic Nurse Specialist, Forensic Nurse Investigator, Nurse Coroner or what is known as Death Investigator, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), Legal Nurse Consultant, Forensic Gerontology Specialist, Forensic Psychiatric Nurse and a Correctional Nursing Specialist. Forensic nursing is a growing industry in the field of nursing. More and more nurses are being drawn to it. Nursing schools are also taking notice of this need. Forensic Nurse Programs are now being offered in nursing schools.

The Certified Forensic Nurse (CFN) designation can demonstrate to a nursing professional?s colleagues, patients, clients, employers, and the health care community that he or she has an extensive base of knowledge and education, direct professional experience, and a commitment to continuing education and excellence within the forensic nursing profession. The CFN designation can also help contribute to the weight and relevance of the Certified Forensic Nurse?s testimony and the applicability of the evidence that the nurse presents in a court of law. The CFN designation can open up new career options, creating more prospects for forensic nursing engagements and leading to exciting new professional opportunities. In addition to enhancing a nurse?s professional development, the prestigious CFN designation can also add credibility to the nurse?s courtroom testimony. http://www.acfei.com/about.php

A forensic nurse's salary varies greatly depending on level of education. For example, an advanced practice nurse who has a master's degree will earn more than a registered nurse.

"The CSI effect has hit the public in a big way," cautioned Dr. Crane, 57, who has a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh with an emphasis in forensic nursing research. In real life, forensics requires a lot of teamwork, and no case is ever solved in a few minutes.

Source: Dallas Morning News, Susan Kreimer, April 8, 2007