Forensic nursing

Forensic nursing is the application of the forensic aspects of healthcare combined with the bio/psycho/social/spiritual education of the registered nurse in the scientific investigation and treatment of trauma and or death of victims and perpetrators of violence, criminal activity, and traumatic accidents (Lynch, 1991. p.3) ^[1] In short, forensic nursing is the care of patients intersecting with the legal system (Speck & Peters et al, 1999).^[2]

Lynch used the clinical forensic medicine (CFM) role as a template for the forensic nurse role. The CFM describes the use of clinical practices to support judicial proceedings to protect a victim, usually after death has occurred. A strong advocate for the forensic nursing specialty in the United States, Virginia Lynch pushed to have the specialty recognized. She was successful in the American Academy of Forensic Science recognition of the forensic nurse in 1989, and she completed her thesis on the conceptual framework for forensic nursing, graduating from arguably the first U.S. forensic nurse master's program. The early publications about the plight of victims spawned nursing programs throughout the United States. In 1992, the term forensic nursing was adopted by nurses gathered at the University of Minnesota who elected Virginia Lynch the first President of the International Association of Forensic Nurses.

The nursing metaparadigm includes person, health, nursing, and environment. The metaparadigm emphasizes holistic care as it highlights humanistic aspects woven with scientific knowledge. The practice of forensic nursing borrows from all sciences, including legal principles, forensic science, and the bio-psycho-social-spiritual sciences that support the forensic nurse's role in all environments (Volz et al, 2022).^[3] The specialty is now recognized worldwide, helping to promote an international focus on violence.