Forensic Nursing Job Description

Examining Crime Victims: The Forensic Nursing Job Description.

The forensic nursing job description focuses on examining victims of sexual assaults, as well as training colleagues how to treat these violently injured patients. Additionally, forensic nurses may be called on to counsel juveniles who have been arrested or convicted of crimes involving firearms as well as testify in court cases. Others may work as consultants. Most often, the forensic nursing job description requires nurses to actively participate in the collection of evidence; in most cases they are working with victims of violent sexual assaults. The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) was founded in 1992 by a group of nurses whose specialty is sexual assault examinations. In accordance with the IAFNs regulations, the forensic nursing job description first requires that an individual be a Registered Nurse.

Beyond that, each nurse must complete forty hours each of didactics and clinical work, as well as be trained in the collection and handling of hairs, DNA, fibers and other evidence. The forensic nursing job description also includes giving sworn testimony in court. Often forensic nurses will be called upon to testify in cases in which they have examined the victim. Additionally, being able to use equipment such as a digital camera, an omnichrome and coloscope are included in the forensic nursing job description. Many forensic nurses are employed in hospital emergency rooms. The forensic nursing job description for these nurse examiners will include collecting evidence left in the body of the victim.

Removing the victims clothing and preserving them for evidence are also part of the forensic nursing job description.The specific forensic nursing job description will be determined by the area of specialty the nurse chooses to work in. Forensic nursing is a growing field in the area of forensic medicine. There are numerous opportunities opening up for nurses with this special training. To meet this need, many nursing programs have begun offering forensic nursing training.