[-Midget-]

Hey everyone - quick question! The other I was talking to a social worker, and some nursing students doing a public health clinical. We all started talking about our goals, and someone mentioned forensic nursing, which I am only vaguely fimiliar with. The social worker said they would hire a forensic nurse, and such a nurse would uititilized to investigate elder abuse, neglect, etc. This guy was from the Depart of Agining and Disability, so I didn't ask him, but I also wondered if such a role would be available to investigate child abuse and neglect. Does anyone have information or experience with any of this?


I'm still a student working on my pre-reqs for my BSN, so I'm just trying to gather up all the information about all the oppurtunities...and it's a big world out there.

[sirI]

Originally Posted by -Midget-

Hey everyone - quick question! The other I was talking to a social worker, and some nursing students doing a public health clinical. We all started talking about our goals, and someone mentioned forensic nursing, which I am only vaguely fimiliar with. The social worker said they would hire a forensic nurse, and such a nurse would uititilized to investigate elder abuse, neglect, etc. This guy was from the Depart of Agining and Disability, so I didn't ask him, but I also wondered if such a role would be available to investigate child abuse and neglect. Does anyone have information or experience with any of this?


I'm still a student working on my pre-reqs for my BSN, so I'm just trying to gather up all the information about all the oppurtunities...and it's a big world out there.

Hello, Midget,

Yes, there is a need for experts in Child Abuse and Forensic Pediatrics. The forensic nurse is trained in elder/child abuse. Actually, any victim of violence.

Check out the thread in this forum describing the different educative opportunities as a Forensic Nurse: Forensic Nursing - Is it For You?

And, here How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

This is a very rewarding and intriguing career. If you have other questions about forensic nursing, please do not hesitate to ask.

[-Midget-]

Siri, have you done Forensic Nursing? If not, you sure know quite about it! All of your posts (no matter in what forum) are very infomrative to me. Thanks for taking time to educate us all!

[sirI]

Hello again,

I did an externship with an ME for 3 months. And, I utilize forensics in my LNC career.

I'm considering running for Coroner in my area..........

[-Midget-]

Oh yeah...I bet you do utilize Forensics as an LNC. I just read an article, a while back, about a nurse who was the coroner. It was really interesting. I bet you would be really good at it!

[sirI]

-Midget-
All of your posts (no matter in what forum) are very infomrative to me. Thanks for taking time to educate us all!

I didn't properly thank you for these kind words, Midget.

I think I'd really like the role of Coroner. I've thrown my hat into the race, but still have not made a final decision to run.

It is interesting, to say the least.

Good talking with you. When/if you have other questions/comments, do not hesitate to post them.

[-Midget-]

You're very welcome! I enjoy learning about all this stuff, and if people take time to explain it from their personal experience...it's all the better, instead of relying purely off articles, etc.

What would you job actually be as the Coroner? Is that like the Medical Examiner? I always used to think those folks were MDs of some kind, until I found the article were the one lady was a nurse!

[sirI]

Originally Posted by -Midget-

You're very welcome! I enjoy learning about all this stuff, and if people take time to explain it from their personal experience...it's all the better, instead of relying purely off articles, etc.

What would you job actually be as the Coroner? Is that like the Medical Examiner? I always used to think those folks were MDs of some kind, until I found the article were the one lady was a nurse!

You are right. First-hand experience is the best teacher.

Some of my duties will include:

Determining the time of death

Declaring time of death

Visiting with the family members involved

Investigate the circumstances surrounding the death

Gather background information including medical

Assist the law enforcement agency and the State Crime Lab

Issue subppoenas as needed

Issue death certificates in the absence of a crime

[-Midget-]

Will you get to do autopsys (not sure if I spelled that right...)?

[sirI]

No, that is out of the scope of practice. Only the ME can do that. But, I will/can be present during these on the local and the state level.