Forensic nursing, like traditional nursing, is divided into several specialty areas such as the sexual assault nurse examiner, crime scene and death investigator, the correctional nurse, and psychiatric nurse. Nurses who have an interest in the forensic aspects of healthcare provide necessary services for the victims of violence. Furthermore, law enforcement and the legal community are now realizing the positive impact forensic nursing is having on case outcomes. The ability to recognize forensic issues and to preserve, document and collect evidence are essential skills of today’s healthcare professional.
This comprehensive online program is designed to introduce nurses, emergency medical personnel, victim advocates and others to the forensic aspects of healthcare and public service. Trauma, acts of violence, mass casualty incidents, sexual assault and human abuse are explored as they relate to evidence collection and preservation, documentation and follow-up procedures as performed by healthcare providers. The individual courses are structured to provide both core content and an introduction to several sub-specialties within the discipline including death investigation, correctional nursing, forensic psychiatry, forensic photography and clinical forensic nursing.
Designed For
- Registered nurses
- LVNs/LPNs
- Other licensed medical professionals
What You'll Learn
- How to collect forensic evidence
- How to communicate with the various members of the multidisciplinary forensic team
- Treatment for triage and emergency intervention for patients who exhibit potential forensic issues
- Basic policies and procedures required for conducting sexual assault examinations
- The social and political implications of escalating violence
What You Can Do With This Certificate
Positions are available in a variety of venues including, but not limited to, a hospital, clinic, coroner's office, law enforcement office, law firm, correctional institution, or mental health office/facility. They might include:
- Forensic Nurse
- Forensic Nurse Investigator
Earning the Certificate
Prior to enrolling, please ensure that you meet ONE of the following minimum requirements:
- Registered nurse
- Licensed vocational nurse or equivalent
- Nurse practitioner
- Physician
- Physician's assistant
- SANE certified nurse
- Licensed paramedic