Whether they’re collecting fingernail scrapings, documenting ligature marks or gunshot wounds, or swabbing for potential DNA the forensic nurses’ first priority is always the health and safety of their patient:
“Forensic Nurses are essential in providing a healthcare response to patients who have experienced trauma – be it sexual assault, intimate partner violence, elder abuse and neglect, child maltreatment, human trafficking, or other forms of intentional or unintentional injury,” said International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) president, Jenifer Markowitz ND, RN, WHNP-BC.
Studies show a strong link between violence and short- and long-term healthcare issues, with patients who experience violence or abuse accessing the healthcare system at least twice as frequently as those without a history.
From November 12-16, 2012, IAFN will celebrate “Forensic Nurses Week” to recognize those nurses who provide exceptional care everyday to men, women, and children who have experienced trauma. IAFN members globally will write letters to elected officials, participate in public awareness efforts to increase the visibility of Forensic Nurses, and wear lilac, the official color of Forensic Nursing.
To support this effort, IAFN has created a documentary about the Forensic Nursing profession, highlighting nurses from around the country nominated by their peers for their exceptional care and compassion. Watch it now on the only YouTube channel dedicated to Forensic Nurses.