Rape Crisis Center

Forensic nursing is the application of nursing science to public or legal proceedings; the application of the forensic aspects of health care combined with the bio-psycho-social education of the registered nurse in the treatment of trauma and /or death of victims and perpetrators of abuse, violence, criminal activity and traumatic accidents whether the injuries sustained are intentional or unintentional.

The forensic nurse provides direct services to individual patients, consultation services to nursing, medical and law related agencies, as well as providing expert court testimony in areas dealing with trauma and/or questioned death investigative processes, adequacy of service delivery, and specialized diagnoses of specific conditions as related to nursing. (International Association of Forensic Nurses, 2006)

Purpose and Objectives

Victims of violence require care that includes physical and psychological assessment critical to alleviate associated trauma. The Mercy Memorial Forensic Nurse Examiner Program will:

• Provide specially trained nurses to respond to the adult/pediatric sexual assault and domestic abuse patient.
• Provide professional, compassionate, and timely collection of forensic evidence in adult/pediatric patient populations.
• Assess physical and psychological needs, referring the patient for additional care as indicated by hospital policy.
• Work in conjunction with the hospital to facilitate the care through the nursing process including collecting evidence, documentation, and maintaining chain of custody of evidence.
• Cooperate with local law enforcement agents and provide court testimony when needed.

Goals

The goal of the forensic nurse examiner program is to provide coordinated, timely, comprehensive and compassionate care to pediatric and adult victims. The Forensic Nurse program is available 24 hours a day and provides an environment that is patient focused.

Mission Statement

Our imperative is to develop a coordinated comprehensive program to enhance the holistic care of victims through the nursing process as defined by identification, assessment, appropriate interventions, documentation and safety planning for patients seeking treatment in the healthcare setting.