Forensics Blog

Aimee Falkenberg, Course Director for BCIT Forensics’ Nurse Examiner Education course, was recently profiled by Fraser Health about what her day is like as a Forensic Nurse Examiner. It starts when:

“10:28: My pager goes off. The Triage nurse reports there’s a young woman in the Emergency Department asking to see the sexual assault nurse examiner.”

And continues on from there. You can read her full profile here.

Forensic Health Science instructor, Colin Harris, has recently achieved board certification as an Advanced Forensic Nurse from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The International Association of Forensic Nurses Commission for Forensic Nurse Certification in collaboration with ANCC’s Certification Program enables nurses to demonstrate their specialty expertise and validate their knowledge that incorporates the latest nursing-practice standards. Advanced Forensic Nursing board certification is achieved through special education, demonstrated clinical competency and a rigorous peer review.

Colin Harris is a Masters prepared nurse, and a former coroner and currently works as an Investigations Officer and Forensic Nurse Specialist in WorkSafeBC’s Fatal and Serious Injury Investigation section. Colin uses his forensic nursing skills and the forensic evaluation of injuries to take investigations to a new level at WorkSafeBC by helping to establish new best practices in the investigation of occupational accidents. Colin takes great pleasure in sharing his expertise with aspiring students in the Forensic Health Science program.

Sheila Early, Program Coordinator for Forensic Health Sciences at BCIT and President of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN), gave an interview to the Australian website IIR Healthcare about the evolving role of the forensic nurse, challenges in gaining proper international recognition for the specialized profession and managing the balancing act between work and personal lives in a demanding role. When asked about the future of forensic nursing, Sheila responded:

“Forensic nursing is greatly affected by developments such as rapid DNA testing, targeted toxicology testing, refinement of techniques for analyzing samples such as swabs and clothing. Photography and videography have also enhanced the skills of the forensic nurse.  The key is to always remember the patient – living or deceased. It is the primary concern of the forensic nurse and consent is the vital issue that enables the forensic nurse to perform the specialized skills needed in the care of the forensic patient population.  That is why procedures and protocols are constantly being evaluated by research and then moved into best practice.”