Table of Contents
Section I: Definitions
Section II: Overview
1. History of the Roles in Forensic Nursing in the US
2. Foundations of Forensic Nursing
3. Impact of Trauma on Health
4. Provider Fatigue and Burnout
5. Trauma-Informed Care
6. Future of Forensic Nursing in Practices
Section III: Borrowed Science
7. Criminology/Victimology
8. Integument
9. Gunshot Wounds
10. Psychology of Trauma
11. Forensic Science and Evidence
12. Legal
13. Providing Testimony
14. Forensic Documentation and Photography
15. Telehealth and the Forensic Nurse
Section IV: Violence Across the Lifespan
16. Violence Against Children
17. Violence Against Adolescents & Adults
18. Violence Against Elders
19. When Death is the Outcome
Section V: Special Populations
20. Family Violence
21. Minority Populations
22. Indigenous Populations
23. Gender Violence (LGBTQIA+)
24. Persons with Disabilities
25. Male Sexual Assault
26. Suspects
27. Human Trafficking
28. Gang Violence
29. Prison Violence
30. Mass Disasters
Section VI: Special Crimes
31. Technology and Risk
32. Offensive Behaviors: Bullying and Sexual Harassment
33. Stalking
34. Alcohol-Enabled and Drug-Facilitated Crimes
35. Sexual Violence
36. Strangulation
37. Traumatic Brain Injury
38. Military Sexual Assault and Violence
39. Military Service and Forensic Nursing Response to Violence
40. Campus Sexual Assault
41. Workplace Violence
42. SWAT Nursing
Section VII: Assessment
Section VIII: Answer Key
Introduction to Forensic Nursing: Principles and Practice is an excellent resource for professionals that work at the intersection between the criminal justice system, forensic evidence collection, and medical care. Each chapter includes key points and case studies that enable the reader to easily digest the information and apply the lessons to their day to day work. Those who seek to understand the vital role that forensic nurses play in criminal investigations and the search for the truth should read this book.
Debbie Feinstein
Chief, Special Victims Division
State’s Attorney’s Office
Montgomery County, Maryland
Forensic nursing is a specialized field that not only requires general nursing knowledge and skills but also knowledge of the inner workings of the vast criminal system. The textbook, Introduction to Forensic Nursing: Principles and Practice dives into the nuances necessary for nursing consideration when caring for assault victims. From the patient interview and evidence collection to the victim aftercare and legal proceedings, Introduction to Forensic Nursing: Principles and Practice succinctly details the current practices forensic nurses can incorporate to ensure victims of assault are cared for in a patient-centered environment and evidence is secured to strengthen the prosecution of the alleged perpetrator. Current and future forensic nurses will benefit greatly from the use of this textbook.
Jennifer D. Bankston, DNP, MSN, BSN, WHNP-BC
Nursing Instructor
Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, Florida
Adjunct Lecturer
Regis College
Department of Nursing
Weston, Massachusetts
Introduction to Forensic Nursing: Principles and Practice is a comprehensive textbook for those interested in the dynamic field of forensic nursing. This longawaited textbook includes descriptions of the many roles of the forensic nurse along with tools and information for successful practice. The organization of the textbook allows easy access to the content, including an overview and historical perspective of forensic nursing, as well as sections
with specific content related to borrowed science, violence across the lifespan, special populations, and special crimes. The chapters detail the role of forensic nursing in various fields, and many include case studies with enlightening discussion on how the concepts of forensic nursing would be applied to the scenario. The concept of trauma-informed care is pervasive and emphasized throughout the text. Applying the principles of trauma-informed care reaches far beyond the forensic nurse practice and is a skill that can be utilized by all nurses. Introduction to Forensic Nursing: Principles and Practice fills a void for a complete evidence-based practice resource about forensic nursing all in one place. This scholarly resource will be an asset for nursing curriculums.
Vicki J. Vawter DNP, APRN, WHNPBC
Professor of Nursing
Health Science Division Chair
Hillsborough Community College
The authors of Introduction to Forensic Nursing: Principles and Practice have built a robust foundation of knowledge on forensic nursing, equally palatable to those already in the medical field as well as prospective practitioners. One aspect of forensic nursing that makes it so special is the sheer number of disciplines routinely engaged in the work. From biology to psychology to law and beyond, Introduction to Forensic Nursing gives each
one its due. With this book, the authors successfully lay the groundwork for a future with knowledgeable, well-rounded, trauma-informed forensic nurses leading the charge to serve the medical needs of victims of abuse and violence in tandem with the justice system.
Thomas Manion
Director, Family Justice Center
Montgomery County Office of the Sheriff
Rockville, MD 20852