[brian]

Terri Stewart knows how to collect displaced hairs and photograph and measure wounds on women who have been raped. When interviewing the victims, she remains objective, avoids yes-or-no questions and writes down plenty of direct quotes because her notes may be used in court.



Stewart isn't a police officer, and she's not a lawyer. She's a forensic nurse. Forensic nurses — who now make up one of the fastest-growing specialties in nursing — care for patients embroiled in legal investigations into violent crimes, including abuse or sexual assault.

Full Article: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm..._nurse05m.html

[RN92]

I did home health for 9 yrs. I saw case after case of elderly abuse and neglect. I had no problem calling DHS. The problem is that there isnt any place to put these pts. Nursing homes have a waiting list. The social workers would interview the pt and family - but if the pt wanted to stay there - then DHS wouldnt do anything. Not too many elderly pts are going to want to leave their home - no matter how bad they are being neglected. I can see where Forensic Nursing could be Very frustrating and dangerous. The nurse will be testifying against criminals. I would always be looking over my shoulder.

[obeyacts2]

Originally Posted by ERslave

I did home health for 9 yrs. I saw case after case of elderly abuse and neglect. I had no problem calling DHS. The problem is that there isnt any place to put these pts. Nursing homes have a waiting list. The social workers would interview the pt and family - but if the pt wanted to stay there - then DHS wouldnt do anything. Not too many elderly pts are going to want to leave their home - no matter how bad they are being neglected. I can see where Forensic Nursing could be Very frustrating and dangerous. The nurse will be testifying against criminals. I would always be looking over my shoulder.

Ditto!! The elder abuse protection system (APS in CA) is broken. Early in my caregiving (home health CNA) career I actually had a woman belt her 85+ yr old mother right in front of me. I followed all the reporting procedures and was interviewed by the police, filed APS report, etc. Nothing was done becuase the old lady wouldnt testify even though I was right there when it all happened!!!
What good does it do to have trained evdence gathering nurses in cases like this if the system will not follow thru? I did look over my shoulder with this family becuase the loving daughter called my agency and said I was a liar and made all sorts of lovely accusations to my employer. Thankfully, they had my back, so to speak.

Laura