The Role of the Clinical Forensic Nurse in Critical Care

Abstract

Forensic nursing deals with the population of people whose lives have been affected by societal violence. The clinical forensic nurse (CFN) is seen as a means of coping with the resultant increased complexity of nursing practice, society, and the law. Critical care areas are clinical forensic domains where the CFN addresses the needs of living forensic patients through activities involving physical and non-physical evidence collection, crisis intervention, and documentation. Within a health care team, the CFN enhances patient care management, resulting in clinical service, legal order, and forensic protocol.

Preparedness to care for victims of violence and their families in emergency departments

“…Although forensic nursing is not yet a recognised specialty or a part of the nursing curriculum in Sweden, registered nurses are reported as those with this specific responsibility. In previous research, registered nurses in EDs have also been recognised as well placed with a distinct opportunity to care for victims of violence and their families 18 19. On the other hand, studies also show that registered nurses express a need for education and structure to include forensic tasks, something that is not always sufficiently provided 20…”

The Knowledge Levels of Health Personnel in Turkey Regarding Forensic Evidence*

“…After all, health personnel’s awareness of little details related to forensic case can either reveal or destroy a forensic phenomenon. Especially, it is significant to understand its first signals in injuries that were caused by abuse or violence (7,11,12). …”

The Forensic Nurse's Evolving Role in Addressing Elder Maltreatment in the United States

“…Utilizing advanced education, the clinical forensic nurse can identify possible evidence found with an ICU patient, follow established protocols on reporting this finding, and ensure proper collection and handling as well as documentation of condition and transport. The forensic nurse in the ICU may be instrumental in working with families and their understanding of advanced directives and organ donation, especially if they have been victims of crime or violent trauma (Goll-McGee, 1999). As identifiers of physical abuse were being described, critical care nurses were also aware of the need to assess for neglect and the caretaker's failure to attend to the patient's medical needs and to keep the older adult safe from health and safety hazards.…”