In 1992, a group of energetic and striving nurses made a thought on forensic nursing and eventually The International Association of Forensic Nurses or IAFN was founded. Their perception and mission was development of a specialized nursing group to help the future need in forensic science and health sector industries across the world.
Present Scenario
This is how, this career had been developed and surprisingly, before long its progression was beyond imagination of the IAFN members. In fact, as on day, this nursing career is one of the speediest developing careers in nursing field. The simplest reason is, increasing number of crimes and violation across the world. Today, this nursing career is regarded as one of the demanding nursing professions and approved for its significance in the part in judicial system of United States of America.
Forensic Nursing Job Description
Forensic nurses should be the registered nurses with sufficient knowledge in the areas of household violation, child mistreatment, emergency shock or trauma, aged person abuse, forced sexual act etc. They are chiefly responsible in instant collection of relevant proofs and evidences so that the offence can be taken under legal court at the earliest.
Forensic Nurses Workplace
There are different categories of forensic nurses, involved in the institutions like acute healthcare centers, emergencies, county prosecutors, offices of medical examiner or practitioners, insurance companies and psychological and psychiatric care units. Such professionals are also found in the role of independent forensic practitioners and consultants.
Role of Forensic Nurse
They are mostly engaged in big hospital emergencies where presence of victims against criminal cases is quite common. In case of shooting or attacking with knives, it is the duty of the forensic nurse to complete the official formalities immediately and to take the necessary initiative in collection of bullets or wreckage from victim’s body.
The nurses are supposed to take necessary photos from various angles while measuring of wounds and the amount of injury need to be assessed. In case, the victim dies, entire responsibility will go on the forensic nurse as well the medical doctor and examiner. Hence, essential cares need to be undertaken simultaneously, to let the victim recover.
Forensic nurses are required to give evidence in trials at the court as an expert witness. Being a fact witness they should offer their valuable opinions on different evidence findings.
Forensic Nurse Education and Training
To become a forensic nurse, you need to be a registered nurse. If you are already a RN, it is possible for you to register your name for forensic nursing certificate as well as degree program. There are numbers of good nursing colleges and schools, providing certificate programs on this field to the registered nurses.
Salary and Outlook
This profession is highly attractive and having a steady pace in development. As reported by International Association of Forensic Nurses, an experienced nurse can earn a salary ranging from $55 to $300 an hour based upon her education, experience and workplace.
If you are not a registered nurse already then you can take CNA courses first. After being a certified nursing assistant you can do a CNA to RN program to be a registered nurse. After being a RN you need to apply for forensic nursing certification or deegree program to establish your career as a forensic nurse.
