Global Journal of Nursing & Forensic Studies
Open Access

Forensic Nursing, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), Forensic Evidence Collection, Trauma-Informed Care

Case Study

Forensic nursing is an evolving specialty within the nursing profession that integrates healthcare with the legal and criminal justice systems. It involves the application of nursing science to the investigation of trauma and death, and it includes providing care for patients who are victims of violence, abuse, or trauma, while also gathering and preserving forensic evidence. This article explores the scope of forensic nursing, its key roles, education requirements, and its impact on both healthcare and legal practices [1-3].

What is Forensic Nursing?

Forensic nursing is a multidisciplinary field that combines clinical nursing skills with forensic science principles. The primary objective of forensic nursing is to provide care for individuals who are victims of trauma, violence, or abuse, and at the same time, to collect critical evidence that may be used in legal or criminal investigations. Nurses in this specialty are often involved in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and homicides.

Forensic nurses play an important role in both the healthcare and criminal justice systems, serving as key participants in the evaluation of injuries, documentation of findings, and communication with law enforcement. They not only provide immediate medical care but also ensure that any evidence collected is legally admissible in court [4].

The Role of Forensic Nurses

The role of forensic nurses is broad, encompassing a wide variety of responsibilities. Some of the most critical functions include:

Providing Medical Care to Victims

Forensic nurses provide comprehensive medical care to victims of violence, sexual assault, and other forms of trauma. This involves not only addressing the immediate medical needs of the patient but also identifying and documenting injuries that may serve as evidence in legal proceedings.

Collecting Forensic Evidence

One of the primary tasks of forensic nurses is the collection of forensic evidence. This can include the gathering of biological samples (e.g., blood, semen, saliva), photographing injuries, and carefully documenting the condition of the body. This evidence is crucial for investigations into violent crimes and must be handled according to strict protocols to maintain its integrity.

Documenting and Reporting Findings

Forensic nurses document their observations meticulously, including the patient’s medical history, physical exam findings, and any evidence of injury. This documentation is essential in court cases and must be detailed and unbiased, providing a clear account of the facts.

Collaborating with Law Enforcement

Forensic nurses work closely with law enforcement officials, assisting in the investigation of crimes such as sexual assault, homicide, and child abuse. They may testify in court as expert witnesses, offering their professional opinion on medical evidence and how it relates to the legal case.

Supporting the Psychological Well-being of Victims

In addition to physical care, forensic nurses are trained to provide emotional and psychological support to victims. Given that many patients in forensic settings have experienced significant trauma, nurses often offer crisis counselling and facilitate connections to mental health resources [5, 6].

Providing Expert Testimony

Forensic nurses are often called to testify in court cases. They provide expert testimony about the injuries observed, the methods used to collect evidence, and the relevance of the evidence to the case. Their testimony can play a crucial role in criminal trials, especially in cases of sexual assault or homicide.

Types of Forensic Nursing Specialties

The field of forensic nursing is diverse, with several specialized areas of practice. Some key subspecialties include:

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)

SANE nurses are trained to care for victims of sexual assault. They perform thorough forensic exams, collect evidence such as DNA samples, and provide immediate care for physical injuries. SANEs also provide emotional support to survivors and ensure they understand the legal processes involved in reporting the assault.

Forensic Nurse Examiner in Homicide Cases

Forensic nurses involved in homicide investigations may work closely with medical examiners to document signs of injury or trauma on the deceased. They may be called upon to investigate cases of suspicious death or assist in determining cause of death.

Paediatric Forensic Nursing

Paediatric forensic nursing focuses on the care of children who are suspected victims of abuse or neglect. These nurses assess physical and emotional signs of maltreatment, work with child protection services, and provide education and support to families [7].

Forensic Psychiatric Nursing

This specialization focuses on individuals with mental health issues who may be involved in the criminal justice system. Forensic psychiatric nurses care for patients in psychiatric facilities, assessing their mental health status, and evaluating their fitness to stand trial.

Legal Nurse Consultant

Legal nurse consultants provide expert advice to attorneys regarding medical records, standards of care, and the interpretation of healthcare-related evidence. These nurses often work in civil cases, helping to explain complex medical issues in layman’s terms.

Educational Requirements for Forensic Nursing

To become a forensic nurse, one must first complete the necessary requirements to become a registered nurse (RN). This typically includes obtaining a nursing degree (either an associate’s degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in nursing) and passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

After becoming a registered nurse, individuals interested in forensic nursing may pursue specialized education and training in forensic science. This may include:

Forensic Nursing Certification: The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) offers certification as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE). Certification involves completing advanced coursework and clinical hours, and passing a certification exam [8, 9].

Advanced Education: Some forensic nurses choose to pursue a master’s degree in forensic nursing or a related field. These programs offer advanced coursework in topics such as forensic pathology, criminal law, and trauma care.

Ongoing Professional Development: Given the rapidly evolving nature of forensic science, forensic nurses must participate in continuous education to stay current with legal and medical advancements.

Impact of Forensic Nursing on Healthcare and the Legal System

Forensic nurses play an integral role in both healthcare and the criminal justice system. Their contributions can significantly affect the outcomes of criminal cases by ensuring that crucial evidence is properly collected and preserved. Additionally, forensic nurses provide a vital service to victims of trauma, offering compassionate care while respecting the legal implications of their cases.

Forensic nursing helps bridge the gap between medicine and law by providing an interface between healthcare providers, law enforcement, and the justice system. The evidence they collect can be critical in criminal investigations, and their expert testimony can be pivotal in court cases, especially in sensitive cases like sexual assault or homicide [10].

Conclusion

Forensic nursing is a dynamic and essential specialty that combines the art of nursing with the science of forensic investigation. Nurses in this field are tasked with providing compassionate care to victims of violence and trauma while also contributing to criminal investigations by gathering and preserving evidence. Through their work, forensic nurses help ensure that justice is served, and that victims receive the care and support they need during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. With ongoing advancements in forensic science and nursing practice, the role of forensic nurses will continue to evolve and expand, further solidifying their importance in both healthcare and the criminal justice system.

1. Vismarra A, Kramer L, Genchi M (2021) Toxoplasmosis Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

2. Giraldo Restrepo ML, Toxoplasmosis (2008) Medicina Laboratorio 14:7-8.

Google Scholar

3. Maldonado YA, Read JS (2017) Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention of Congenital Toxoplasmosis in the United States. Pediatrics 30:139.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

4. Bartholo BBGR, Monteiro DLM, Rodrigues NCP, Trajano AJB, de Jesus NR et al. (2020) Treatment of Acute Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy: Influence in the Mother-to-Child Transmission. JOGC 42:1505-1510.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

5. de La Fuente Villar BB, Neves E de S, Louro VC, Lessa JF, Rocha DN et al. (2020) Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: a clinical, diagnostic, and epidemiological study in a referral hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Brazilian J Infect Dis 24:517-23.

Indexed at, Google Scholar

6. Vogel N, Kirisits M, Michael E, Bach H, Hostetter M et al. (1996) Congenital Toxoplasmosis Transmitted from an Immunologically Competent Mother Infected Before Conception. Clin Infect Dis 1:23.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

7. Rosso F, Agudelo A, Montoya G (2007) Congenital toxoplasmosis: clinical and epidemiological aspects of infection during pregnancy 38.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

8. Graham AK, Fong C, Naqvi A, Lu JQ (2021) Toxoplasmosis of the central nervous system: Manifestations vary with immune responses. J Neurol Sci 420:117223.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

9. Carral L, Kaufer F, Pardini L, Durlach R, More G et al. (2018) Congenital Toxoplasmosis serologic diagnosis, PCR, isolation and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii. Chilean J Infect 35.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

10. Zhou Z, Ortiz Lopez HIA, Pérez GE, Burgos LM, Farina JM et al. (2021) Toxoplasmosis and the Heart. Current Problems in Cardiology 46:100741.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref