Is there any growing need for forensic nurses?

The American Legal system has begun to recognize the expertise of forensic nurses. At present there are 7500 forensic nurses in US. Many more will be recruited in the years to come. In fact many young and aspiring students are looking to become forensic nurses. Almost all universities are offering courses in forensic nursing. If you are a nurse or you want to become one then you can try forensic nursing. Not only is forensic nursing a more interesting and challenging job but also a better paying one.
You must be wondering what exactly a forensic nurse does. Well they do a lot of different works. But Forensic nurses have proved themselves most useful in helping victims of sexual assault. Many times a victim of rape or sexual abuse has to go through another ordeal in the hospital. Doctors most of the times are not trained properly to handle victims of sexual abuse. Their lack of forensic knowledge destroys valuable evidence. Doctors and hospital staff also tend to judge the victim. They hardly get any privacy or moral support. All this can be very tormenting for the victim.

A forensic nurse is properly trained to provide all the necessary care to the victim. Forensic nurses ensure that the victim is examined in a different room and gets complete privacy. With their expertise in forensic investigation and medical care, they collect all the evidence from the victim’s body and preserve it. They also know how to document all the evidence so that they can be used in investigation. Forensic nurses question the victim about her experience and document the story. Forensic nurses are also fully trained in how to handle the patient well and make her feel safe and comfortable.
Forensic nurses also work in other areas like crime scene investigation, collecting evidence, working with law enforcement teams, forensic examination of alive or dead victims. They can at times also work as legal consultants or testify in court if the need arises. Some forensic nurses work at rehabilitation centers giving psychiatric treatment to violent criminals. Emergency room examiner is another popular work for forensic nurses. They screen every patient for signs of violence. Victims of domestic violence who are unable to speak out or report their condition are helped out by forensic nurses who recognize signs of physical assault.

Forensic nurses are the need of the hour. With the alarming growth of crime rates in our society, forensic nurses are in great demand. They are the liaison between medical care and the judicial system.

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