I've been searching for a definition of forensic nursing and came across this by
The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)…
“the application of nursing science to public or legal proceedings; the application of the forensic aspects of health care combined with the bio-psycho-social education of the registered nurse in the scientific investigation and treatment of trauma and/or death of victims and perpetrators of abuse, violence, criminal activity and traumatic accidents.”
IAFN 2002
While seeing
bio-psycho-social in the definition comes as no surprise - the list of
areas, situations and contexts that forensic nurses may work in is enlightening:
- Interpersonal Violence
- Forensic Mental Health
- Correctional Nursing
- Legal Nurse Consulting
- Emergency/Trauma Services
- Patient Care Facility Issues
- Public Health and Safety
- Death Investigation
In writing about the relevance of
Hodges' model in this field there is the assumption that forensic nursing is specialized, but built - of course - upon fundamental nursing principles and values. These are carried forward in forensic nursing theory and practice -
Beyond Tradition, Advancing Humanity - as the IAFN slogan ably puts it. Being reminded yesterday of mental health law (always a good thing!) in training on
Mental Health Act 2007, I can see just how well Hodges' model can support the early
bio-psycho-social steps of the nurse learner. Then if students go on to specialize in forensic care, the model's
political care (knowledge) domain will continue to serve them well.
