General Assessment and Forensic Nursing

Forensic nursing was recognized as a specialty by ANA in 1995. I believe nurses have long worked with forensic patients in other areas such as emergency room, operating room and general areas where admission assessments are done. Primary care nurses are in an ideal position to identify victims of abuse and violence and hopefully refer to agency for help to prevent future abuse or injury. At present I work in an area with surgery patients, it is part of our assessment to screen all patients for abuse, neglect and asking the patient if they are being threatened. If a patient is positive for above, we refer to an agency, involve the legal system and social services.
This is so important to include identification of trauma or abuse from living patients to hopefully save a life. Nurses share a responsibility in caring for the holistic approach of patients hopefully saving a life, whereas forensic nursing is a patient advocate for the deceased or the victim.

tags
forensic nursing chronicles
forensic nursing
forensic nursing theories
forensic nursing assessment
forensic nursing history
Forensic Nursing Process
Health Assessment
nursing health assessment
nursing assessment