Main description:

Written by an award-winning investigative journalist with more than twenty years of experience, Forensic Nursing takes an objective yet engaging look at a profession that according to the author, "is only for those with a strong stomach, a pure heart, and a quick mind." It presents the personal experiences and perspectives of forensic nurses that work in all areas of forensic and critical care/emergency practice.

The book explores the many medico-legal issues that a forensic nurse will encounter during the course of a career. It details the pertinent medico-legal skill sets that every forensic nurse should acquire. It describes how to effectively yet sensitively approach situations involving sexual assault and interpersonal violence. The text also illustrates how to conduct a successful medico-legal death investigation.

Also of particular interest is information on legal nurse consulting and nursing jurisprudence. The author describes how to prepare for trial and how to maintain professional conduct in the courtroom. She details how to collect DNA evidence and how to deal with the medico-legal issues that may arise from this evidence. Forensic Nursing also serves as a career road map for the beginning forensic nurse, as a motivational tool for the immediate-level nurse, and as a chronicle of past, present, and future challenges and victories for the advanced/seasoned practitioner.

Contents:

Introduction to Forensic Nursing. Forensic Nursing as Part of the Nursing Process. The Mandate for Forensic Nursing. Forensic Issues in the Clinical Setting. Forensic Nurses' Medico-Legal Skill Sets: Observation, Documentation, Photography, and Evidence Collection. Sexual Assault. Interpersonal Violence. Vulnerable Populations. Sexual Violence in the Military. Sexual Violence on Campus. Forensic Psychiatric Nursing and Corrections Nursing. Medico-Legal Death Investigation. Legal Nurse Consulting and Nursing Jurisprudence. DNA Evidence and Medico-Legal Issues. Professional Issues: Forensic Nursing Education and Training. Professional Issues: Forensic Nurses as Entrepreneurs. The Future of Forensic Nursing.