At any point where the delivery of patient care and the medico-legal system intersect, forensic nurses have an integral area of practice. Historically, a gap has existed between the office of the medical examiner, the police department, and the hospital emergency room or hospitalized patient. Forensic nursing can bridge that gap. Forensic professionals help avoid the mishandling or omission of forensic evidence and perform critical functions in the recognition and correct collection of forensic evidence in all cases of violence, especially complex criminal cases.
According to the World Health Organization, each year nearly 2 million lives are lost around the world because of violence. Often, healthcare providers are the first to come into contact with a person who is a victim of violence, trauma, or injury.
Comprehensive forensic healthcare education offers professionals the tools and knowledge to make a difference in their practice, promote collaborative community responses to violence, and design strategies for violence prevention.
The Graduate Forensic Nursing Certificate is awarded upon completion of 12 credit hours.
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