Building A Mystery: A Career in Forensic Nursing

March 17, 2005
by Edward Castro
ed.castro@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist

According to different studies conducted by US Law Enforcement Agencies, between 20-50% of all emergency room admissions are a result of domestic violence. Without the training gained through a forensic nursing degree program, many of the tell tale signs of domestic abuse go unnoticed by overworked emergency room staff.

It's early morning on a weekend and the emergency rooms are filling up. One woman's injuries, a broken nose and two black eyes, are curious to those trained through a traditional nursing degree program or online nursing schools. When coupled with the woman's claim that she fell down the stairs though, there would be little to do except treat her injuries and send her home. For a nurse who chooses a career in forensic nursing, the mystery would set skills, experience, and the passion for justice into motion.

A Nursing Degree Program for the Curious

Emergency rooms are filled with gunshot wounds, stabbings, and victims of assault. All of these cases are the kinds of cases that forensic nursing degree program graduates are made to investigate. For those who choose a career in forensic nursing, taking a closer look is second nature.

Breaking In: Online Nursing Schools and Law Enforcement

Whether you choose to study through a traditional forensic nursing degree program or online nursing school, you should join the International Association of Forensic Nurses. This professional association is a great resource for training and networking. In addition, a career in forensic nursing requires an indepth understanding of crime.

If you're serious about a career in forensic nursing get to know police officers who spend time in emergency rooms. These men and women can help you gain insight in to the nuances of criminal investigation.

Police ride-along programs, crime lab tours, and criminal courtrooms – anywhere you can watch the legal and justice system work – are also worth investigating. With a little training, you'll never release a victim of abuse unnecessarily.

About the Author

Edward Castro has an extensive experience as a creative media writer. His client portfolio has included such notables as Hewlett-Packard, Sony Computer Entertainment, Shockwave, AtomFilms, GameBlast and Mervyn’s California. In his current position, Ed is developing the marketing strategy of an Internet start-up company specializing in Japanese trade goods.

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