Reflect back on what you thought a forensic nurse was at the beginning of the course and what you have learned about forensic nursing. What surprises or new information did you gain about the role of the forensic nurse?

At the commencement of the course, my understanding of forensic nursing was simply the individual who worked in laboratories to determine the cause of death using various techniques (Rorgjdvphek International Association of Forensic Nurses, n.d). I also thought forensic experts would not regularly work with law enforcement agencies. As the course has progressed, I have established that I must write about the methods I use and any discoveries made (Drake et al., 2018). I have also established that I will often be called upon to identify suspects and victims whose bodies are destroyed/deformed beyond recognition.

One of the surprises along the way has been that there are many opportunities for employment within law enforcement just as much as within hospitals and laboratories (Drake et al., 2018). The police, for instance, have crime scene investigative experts who are supposed to be qualified forensic experts who will often ensure that all evidence at crime scenes is collected and pictured. This is a career path I have developed an interest in pursuing.

References

Drake, S. A., Koetting, C., Thimsen, K., Downing, N., Porta, C., Hardy, P., … & Engebretson, J. (2018). Forensic nursing state of the science: Research and practice opportunities. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 14(1), 3-10.

IAFP. (2023). International Association of Forensic Psychotherapy. https://www.forensicpsychotherapy.org/

Melbourn, H., Smith, G., McFarland, J., Rogers, M., Wieland, K., DeWilde, D., … & Guarino, L. (2019). Mandatory certification of forensic science practitioners in the United States: A supportive perspective. Forensic Science International: Synergy, 1, 161-169.