NRS 444 Forensic Nursing 1

This course focuses on the concepts of forensic nursing and death investigation for the generalist nurse. Forensic nursing practice involves the intersection of the healthcare and legal systems and includes the following concepts: scope and standard of practice, evolution of forensic nursing, roles of the forensic nurses, forensic science, theoretical and ethical frameworks, epidemiology, evidence collection in various settings, forensic photography, toxicology, legal and ethical issues including testimony, and forensic nursing career development. The student will participate in clinical observation and skill learning specific to the field of death investigation.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Must be admitted to the BSN program

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Define the scope and standards of forensic nursing, recognizing the intersection of healthcare and the legal system, and describe the evolution of forensic nursing as a specialized field
2. Articulate the various roles of forensic nurses, including the settings and populations that they serve
3. Apply knowledge of forensic science principles, and integrate relevant theoretical and ethical frameworks to guide practice in forensic nursing
4. Discuss key legal and ethical issues in forensic nursing, including issues related to criminal justice and the nurse’s role in providing testimony in legal proceedings
5. Apply appropriate techniques for evidence collection in various healthcare and legal settings, including the use of forensic photography and documentation to capture injuries or signs of trauma
6. Explain the importance of toxicology in forensic nursing practice, including how toxic substances are identified and their significance in death investigations and legal cases
7. Explore career pathways within forensic nursing, emphasizing the skills, qualifications, and ongoing education necessary for professional growth in this field