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Forensic Nursing

Forensic nursing is the application of forensic science combined with the bio-psycho-social education of the registered nurse. Competencies of the forensic nurse include the scientific investigation, evidence collection and preservation, analysis, prevention and treatment of trauma and/or death related medical-legal issues. Care is directed toward real and potential victims of injury as well as perpetrators of crime. Forensic Nursing involves direct services to nursing, medical and/or law-related agencies, as well as providing consultation and expertise in areas related to questioned investigative processes, adequacy of services delivered, and specialized diagnoses of specific conditions as related to forensic nursing and/or pathology.

In keeping with the goals of DNP education, the Integrated Model of Forensic Nursing presented at UTHSC College of Nursing, further prepares the forensic nurse to create systems of prevention and intervention in a variety of international cultures and settings, on behalf of populations impacted by unintentional injury and violence through the development of clinical practice models, health policy, and standards of care. The Integrated Model of Forensic Model combines concepts from Forensic Science, Public Health and Psych Mental Health Nursing in a holistic approach to the problem of injury. Graduates are prepared to assume positions of leadership as advanced practitioners, administrators, executives, public policy makers, educators and researchers.

DNP Post MSN (already APN ) Student Schema – Forensic Nursing

Year 1

Fall

NSG911 Philosophy of Science 3 (3-0)

BIOE712 Principles of Epidemiology 3 (3-0)

NSG814 Biostatistics 3 (3-0)

NSG869 Integrated Model of Forensic Nursing 3 (3-0)

12 (12-0)

Spring

NSG916 Concept and Theory Analysis 3 (3-0)

HSA851 Leadership and Health Policy 3 (3-0)

NAPS867 Injury – Prevention for Individuals 4 (2-2)

10 (8-2)

Year 2

Fall

HSA 877 Health Care Economics 3 (3-0)

NSG 819 Evaluation of Practice 4 (4-0)

NAPS868 Injury – Prevention Among Populations 4 (2-2)

11 (9-2)

Spring

NSG926 Resident Practicum 6 (0-6)

NSG946 DNP Residency Project 3 (3-0)

9 (3-6)

Total Curriculum Hours 41 (31-10)

Course Description

Integrated Model of Forensic Nursing - NSG 869 (2-0) This course presents core concepts, standards of practice, and emerging issues of forensic nursing in a holistic model that integrates concepts of forensic science, public health and psychiatric mental health nursing in an historical, political, and social context. Content will include analysis of the roles, advanced nursing skills, ethical decision making, and cultural competence required of forensic nurses caring for victims of injury and/or perpetrators of crime across the life span.

Injury- Prevention and Treatment Applied to Individuals - NAPS 869 ( 2-2): This course focuses on the biopsychosocial effects of injury and culturally competent methods of prevention and treatment applied to individuals and families across the life span. Assessment based on psych mental health, public health and advanced forensic investigative techniques will be demonstrated. Virtual crime scenes as well as clinical experiences are designed to allow the student opportunities to apply scientific forensic principles and develop critical decision making skills as part of the multidisciplinary forensic team. Modules designed to prepare the forensic nurse for document preparation, case management, and expert testimony in civil, criminal and legislative settings are presented in web based format.

Injury – Prevention and Treatment Applied to Populations -NAPS 868 (2-2): This course will continue the focus on models of prevention of injury of populations within the context of environment and culture. Social, cultural, economic, political, and policy components which contribute to injury of vulnerable populations across the lifespan will be systemically examined in order to generate models of intervention. On completion of the course, the student will be prepared to select the focus of research for the resident practicum and dissertation.

Forensic Practicum – NSG 926 (0-6) : This course is will prepare the student to demonstrate forensic skills in the investigation, treatment and prevention of injury in a select population of victims and/or perpetrators of crime. It is the final honing of scholarship in the development of clinical practice models, policies, and standards of care, based on research evidence in forensic practice.

Forensic DNP Residency Project – NSG 946 (3-0): The final DNP project produces a tangible and deliverable academic product that is derived from the practice immersion experience and is reviewed and evaluated by your major advisor. This may be represented by a pilot study, a program evaluation, a quality improvement project, an evaluation of a new practice model, a consulting project, or an integrated critical literature review, manuscripts submitted for publication, systematic review, research utilization project, practice topic dissemination, substantive involvement in a larger endeavor, or other practice project.

Clinical sites include but are not confined to:

Primary Prevention : Violence and injury prevention project in school, parenting education for new parents, youth gang prevention efforts, community center, care facilities for older adults, care facility for the developmentally delayed.

Secondary Prevention : Sexual Assault Center, Domestic Violence Unit, Safe House, Hospital QA, Emergency Department, Drug Offender F/U clinic, Probation Program, Psychiatric Facility, Offender Program.

Tertiary Prevention : Correctional Institution, State Psychiatric Facility, Death Investigation in ME office or law enforcement facility, claims department insurance agency, Government Agencies focused on injury such as OSHA or the Department of Defense.

For more information about the Forensic option, contact the Forensic Option Coordinator,

Susan B. Patton, DNSc, APRN-BC, SANE-A

email: spatton3@utmem.edu

phone: 1-800-733-2498 and ask for Dr. Patton