forensic nursing?

[lsvalliant]

Any forensic psych nurses out there? Can you enlighten us about your job? What makes it different than regular psych?

[Mish56, BSN, RN]

Forensic's has their own specialty forum. I found it fascinating reading.

[lsvalliant]

There is a psychiatric nursing forum and a forensic nurse forum but I don't see a forensic psych forum. I know it's its own specialty and I would like to know what kind of jobs are out there for the forensic psych nurse? I am interested in both specialties. I thought a combo would be cool. If anyone knows please post.

[nanacarol]

I am a psych nurse and a forensic nurse. Our patients are those that have been adjudicated incompetent to stand trial or non restorable or are awaiting evaluations. Many have been in the hospital for years and will remain until they have served their sentence out. The forensic nurse has to be aware of the legal limitation involved in caring for this group, for instance, movement within the facility takes on a whole new impetus as does medicating the non compliant patient. We have to petition the court for forced med orders and treatment plans are reviewed by the court. We provide the same or similar groups and therapies as for civil patients.

Hope this helps a little. nanacarol

[sampaul1966]

I work in a UK secure hospital. Most of the patients are detained under mental health act sections for people who can pose a danger to the public when mentally unwell. These sections continue when patients are discharged into the community which means they can be recalled if its thought they're becoming unwell again.

A lot of the work is aimed at preventing a relapse of their illness including substance use work.

A small number of patients are convicted prisoners who are sent here from prison for treatment.

When compared to the previous answer sectioned patients can have enforced treatment if they are on certain sections. Hyperguide to the mental health act is a good guide to the British system