Forensic Nurses Week Giving a Voice, Providing a Choice

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Whether they're collecting fingernail scrapings, documenting ligature marks or gunshot wounds, or swabbing for potential DNA the forensic nurses' first priority is always the health and safety of their patient. "Forensic Nurses are essential in providing a healthcare response to patients who have experienced trauma - be it sexual assault, intimate partner violence, elder abuse and neglect, child maltreatment, human trafficking, or other forms of intentional or unintentional injury," said International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) president, Jenifer Markowitz ND, RN, WHNP-BC.  Studies show a strong link between violence and short- and long-term healthcare issues, with patients who experience violence or abuse accessing the healthcare system at least twice as frequently as those without a history.   

From November 12-16, 2012, IAFN will celebrate "Forensic Nurses Week" to recognize those nurses who provide exceptional care everyday to men, women, and children who have experienced trauma. IAFN members globally will write letters to elected officials, participate in public awareness efforts to increase the visibility of Forensic Nurses, and wear lilac, the official color of Forensic Nursing.

To support this effort, IAFN has created a documentary about the Forensic Nursing profession, highlighting nurses from around the country nominated by their peers for their exceptional care and compassion. Watch it now on the only YouTube channel dedicated to Forensic Nurses.

More About Forensic Nursing: Forensic Nursing is the fastest growing nursing subspecialty. Forensic Nurses use their advanced education and training to provide nursing care, collect evidence and provide consultation in a variety of areas including: sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect, death investigation, elder mistreatment, corrections, emergency services, mental health and public health. 

More About IAFN: IAFN's mission is to provide leadership in Forensic Nursing practice by developing, promoting, and disseminating information internationally about forensic nursing science. IAFN also offers certification for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners in both Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and Pediatric (SANE-P) patient care.  In 2012, IAFN and the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) launched a new certification through portfolio for Advanced Forensic Nurses. This will help validate advanced forensic nurses' unique knowledge and skills. Visit our Press Center to learn more at www.ForensicNurse.org.

SOURCE International Association of Forensic Nurses