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Discussion

Phantoms of Nursing

Why is forensic nursing so elusive? I've been trying to do my own research on the subject, and this forum has a lot of vague information.

What are the most legitimate accrediting bodies? I've read about maybe two or three brick and mortar institutions, and many online programs, but I have no way of knowing how legit any of them are, and/or who's keeping score so-to-speak.

I'd also love to know how to find jobs in this field, in areas that are less prone to keeping up with the Jones' and don't use the more current titles affiliated with forensics in general... I can count on one hand how many jobs are available as a FNE or SANE in the southeast region of the Unites States. I live in the Greater New Orleans area, so I'm sure this can't be true, that there are no forensic nursing jobs in one of the most criminal cities in the nation.

What am I missing? Someone, please throw me a bone....

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    • Featured Replies

    • Admin

    Hello,

    Excellent questions.

    Why is forensic nursing so elusive?

    Forensic Nursing is still very much in its infancy. Post-911 has seen more programs started as awareness grew. Still, for many who are pursuing this specialty, finding a program is difficult. And, expect finding a job will be very competitive because of the rising interest in the science of forensics.

    However, many entities are unaware of this highly specialized area of nursing or if aware, uncertain how to utilize these nurses. More education is needed to continue to raise awareness.

    Many of these nurses are exclusively utilized in the Emergency Department.

    Most do not realize that Legal Nurse Consultants and Correctional Nurses are also considered Forensic Nurses.

    Please review the following Article for more general information including programs: How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

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    • Admin

    You are very welcome. Hopefully others, especially in/around NO, will weigh in.

    Good luck.

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    • Author

    Taking issue with some feedback I've received from an instructor, who stated yesterday that she's never even heard of forensic nursing, and in so many words basically said I would get sick of SANE nursing PDQ. She said it's not FT work, and the nurses who are SANE/SAFE usually work on call (downfall), and that because of the true nature of the work (dealing mostly with prostitutes on a pretty consistent basis) it rarely ends up being a valuable experience (I'm paraphrasing here). For these reasons, she said, most nurses do SANE work only long enough to get the hours for the certification, so they can have it on their resumes.

    She continued that even if there was such a thing as forensic nursing, did I really think I'd be collecting evidence at crime scenes?, because law enforcement will still be held accountable for that. She asked me what else I thought I'd be doing, and I mentioned that I could be a nurse coroner if I choose that direction, possibly doing work identifying cause of death or other pathologies. To that, she stated that that's what coroners are for and why would they need a nurse coroner?...

    Of course, I have no response or rebuttal for this woman on all accounts, because my knowledge on this topic is very limited. Needless to say, she successfully derailed my attempt to glean any further info on this topic.

    So, she essentially has made me question the true nature of this field, the dailies, the credibilities, etc. Is this just ignorance on her part???

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    • Admin

    Sometimes it is better not to engage in a debate with people. ;)

    Many, out of ignorance, embarrassment, etc., are unable/unwilling to entertain new ideas.

    ... she successfully derailed my attempt to glean any further info on this topic

    That is unfortunate.

    I hope you continue to seek information and pursue the specialty.

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    I agree because I'm also very interested in the forensic nursing specialty, but all I seem to hear when I do get a bee in my bonnet and start asking questions is that it's more of the rape crisis stuff. While that's highly admirable, I was thinking more of post mortems, etc so I'm in the same boat as you with the questions.

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