Course Overview

Forensic nursing is the specialty in which the medical/nursing world and the legal world intersect. Forensic nurses may work as sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE), coroner’s investigators, and correctional nurses, or offer consulting services as expert witnesses.

A forensic nurse begins her career by becoming a registered nurse. She may have an associate degree, nursing diploma, or bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). For those who are planning a nursing career, the BSN is probably the best option.

Forensic course content will include the neurobiology of trauma, child and elder maltreatment, dating violence, intimate partner violence, strangulation, sexual assault, commercial sexual exploitation, technology-facilitated sexual violence, perpetrator behaviors, death investigation, and court testimony.

This course is designed for nurses who want to expand their training and knowledge beyond the education acquired as a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) and forensic nurse

Learning Outcomes

1. Use your understanding of the changing role of healthcare professionals in relation to forensics to enhance the physical, psychosocial, and legal care of patients.

Identify signs and symptoms of violence, abuse and/or neglect in order to implement early interventions to reduce adverse outcomes for patients.

1. Link best practice guidelines with management strategies in order to provide appropriate support and treatment for patients who may require forensic interventions.
2. Use your understanding of forensic terminology and legal processes to improve the collection of evidence while still respecting the patient's needs and meeting legal requirements.

Course Requirements

• A medical science background
• Physiology understanding
• Free or premium Medcrine account
• Internet connection

Course Curriculum