Forensics Nursing

Course overview

Forensic nursing sits at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system, and the sexual assault examination is one of its most critical responsibilities. This course covers the role of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), trauma-informed communication, the physical examination and TEARS documentation framework, forensic evidence collection and chain of custody, bite mark specimen collection, drug-facilitated sexual assault, STI prophylaxis, emergency contraception, nPEP, and nursing considerations for older adults, pediatric patients, male victims, LGBTQ+ and transgender patients, and human trafficking victims. Learning Objectives By the end of this course, the participant will be able to: Define the role of the forensic nurse, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), and the multidisciplinary Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) within the legal and healthcare framework governing sexual assault care. Apply principles of trauma-informed care when approaching, communicating with, and supporting a patient who has experienced sexual assault. Describe the components of the sexual assault medical forensic examination, including history-taking, physical assessment using the TEARS mnemonic, colposcopy, and appropriate documentation. Demonstrate knowledge of proper forensic evidence collection procedures, including bite mark specimen collection and preservation of physical evidence, while maintaining chain of custody. Identify appropriate pharmacologic and preventive interventions following sexual assault, including STI prophylaxis, emergency contraception, HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP), and immunizations. Recognize the unique assessment considerations and nursing responsibilities when caring for special populations, including older adults, pediatric patients, male victims, LGBTQ+/transgender individuals, and victims of human trafficking.