Forensic Nurse Examiner Education for RNs

​Forensic health care and the application of forensic medical expertise is emerging as a new specialty in both health care and in investigative professions where medical and legal issues overlap. This course provides an overview of the various components of forensic health sciences. Although the material focuses on the role of the forensic nurse, the content will be of benefit to all health care and allied health professionals, law enforcement and investigative personnel whose work intersects with aspects of the healthcare system or where forensic medical expertise can assist in the investigative process. Through an introduction to forensic health sciences, the role of the health care or allied health professional will be explored by bridging medical and legal components. The course will present the evolution of forensic nursing and explore the various roles and responsibilities of the forensic nurse in a variety of healthcare and non-traditional settings. The course will also explore the gap between the medical and forensic medical information and law enforcement/investigative agencies and the criminal justice system in both criminal and non-criminal incidents requiring investigation. This course will provide the framework for bridging this gap and students will uncover the potential to apply forensic health science expertise in variety of settings and multidisciplinary environments. This is an undergraduate level that course provides an introduction to forensic health sciences and will be of interest to nursing students, registered nurses or other allied health professionals with an interest in forensics and its application in the health care setting. Also this course may be of interest to anyone working in an investigative setting where there is a benefit from the application of forensic medical expertise.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​The course covers the theoretical aspects for the specialized care of victims of sexual assault and practical skills that will be utilized in a clinical setting. This course is intended for RNs and NPs, as these designations are eligible for SANE certification by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). However, it is open to all healthcare professionals who work with victims of sexual assault or may work with Forensic Nurse Examiners in a supporting role. This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the IAFN, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. IAFN Approval: AU05042020.BCTIA.
Prerequisite(s):

• This course is only open to RNs, NPs and MDs or to those medical professionals who have been hired into a SAFE job.