Course Introduction

MODULE 1 – FORENSIC NURSING AND CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIONS

In this module, you will learn about the role of forensic nurses in crime scene investigations, the importance of collaboration between forensic nurses and law enforcement agencies, and methods to collect, preserve, and handle evidence found at the crime scene. This module also covers insights about types of evidence and the significance of the chain of custody throughout the investigative process.

MODULE 2 – ELDERLY ABUSE AND FORENSIC NURSING

This module explores types of elderly abuse, like physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglectful, and how to identify vulnerable populations within the elderly community. You will also learn about the prevalence, impact, assessment, and documentation of elderly abuse cases, along with techniques to carry out interviews and overcome challenges due to cognitive disorders and fear among the elderly.

MODULE 3 – ORIGINS, PIONEERS, RECOGNITION, AND EDUCATION

This module introduces you to the history of forensic nursing and its connection to crime investigation, highlighting pioneers of this field who have contributed a lot to establishing forensic nursing as a specialized field. Also, the unique role this field plays in healthcare and the legal system and factors responsible for its growth will be discussed, along with the know-how of educational programs and certifications available to gain expertise in this field.

MODULE 4 – CHILD ABUSE RECOGNITION AND ASSESSMENT

In this module, you will learn to identify types of child abuse, like physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect, along with ways to recognize signs and symptoms related to each abuse type. This module also focuses on child development stages and assessing potential abuse as per age. You will also gain insights about interview techniques and assessment methods within ethical and legal boundaries.

MODULE 5 – FORENSIC NURSING IN THE MORTUARY

This module covers mortuary working methods, ways to document, collect, and handle evidence from the deceased, and methods to identify the deceased body to determine the cause and manner of death. You will also gain insights about how to interact with and sympathize with grieving families by deeply understanding the grieving process. Also, you will learn about techniques and emerging technologies used by forensic nurses in the mortuary for investigation purposes.

MODULE 6 – FORENSIC NURSING IN HEALTHCARE AND LEGAL SYSTEMS

This module highlights forensic nurses’ role in healthcare and legal systems, responsibilities while working in the emergency department, and the need for timely and relevant care for violence or abuse victims. You will also learn about ethical challenges faced during this practice, which will enhance your critical thinking and decision-making skills. Trauma-informed care principles that ensure patients’ well-being are also discussed.

MODULE 7 – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND FORENSIC NURSING

In this module, you will learn about domestic violence and its types, their identification methods, and the role of forensic nurses in these cases, from evidence collection to providing victim-specific care. This module also covers techniques to assess and document injuries and abuse, address interpersonal violence risk assessment, evaluate potential risks that victims might face, and provide culturally competent care to people affected by domestic violence.

MODULE 8 – FORENSIC NURSING IN HEALTHCARE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

This module covers the role of forensic nursing in healthcare, the duties of forensic nurses while dealing with victims of sexual violence, the need to follow a trauma-informed care approach, and maintaining a sympathetic attitude while dealing with survivors of sexual violence. You will also gain knowledge about crisis intervention techniques and the psychological support that must be offered to victims, along with self-care techniques to manage the emotional toll on forensic nurses.

MODULE 9 – ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM IN FORENSIC NURSING

In this module, you will understand the confidentiality and privacy principles and the significance of objectivity and impartiality during forensic examinations to maintain evidence reliability. This module also provides insights about ethical considerations, like informed consent and patient autonomy in sensitive forensic scenarios. Also, you will learn how to take care of vulnerable populations and the ethical aspects of interprofessional collaboration.

MODULE 10 – FORENSIC NURSING IN DISASTER RESPONSE

This module focuses on Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) protocols, systematic approaches in chaotic disaster situations, principles to follow while dealing with survivors of disasters, and concern about the emotional needs of victims. You will also learn about the challenges nurses face during evidence collection in difficult environments and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among various response teams. You will also gain insights about the legalities and ethics specific to disaster forensic nursing.

MODULE 11 – FORENSIC NURSING IN MENTAL HEALTH

In this module, you will learn how to assess and evaluate the mental health status of people involved in forensic cases and collect appropriate evidence to support clinical findings. You will learn to formulate personalized treatment plans for patients, considering both therapeutic and security requirements. This module also covers intervention techniques and the role of forensic nurses as expert witnesses in providing meaningful testimony during mental health-related legal proceedings.

MODULE 12 – EXPERT TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE HANDLING

This module focuses on the role of forensic nurses as expert witnesses during legal proceedings, the significance of relevant evidence collection and preservation, and techniques to handle forensic evidence. You will also learn the need for in-depth documentation for court proceedings and the importance of using photos and videos as powerful evidence. It also highlights forensic nurses’ role in spreading awareness within the legal and healthcare systems.

MODULE 13 – EVIDENCE COLLECTION, TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE, AND LEGAL PROCEDURES

This module covers the responsibilities of forensic nurses in evidence collection and maintaining the chain of custody, appropriate evidence handling for it to be admissible in legal proceedings, and following an empathetic approach with victims of violence or abuse. You will also learn about the role of forensic nurses in providing testimony and collaborating with other forensic teams during investigations, along with the complex moral considerations faced by forensic nurses in their roles.

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