Forensic Nurse Research Papers

I decided to sign up for forensic nursing because I previously wanted to become a member of law enforcement. As I was graduating high school I switched my interest to nursing. I thought this class would provide a combination of my interests by merging nursing and law enforcement in a unique way. Another reason I was decided to take this class was to learn how to advocate for a victim of rape. I am under the impression most rapes are not reported, so I would like to learn what to do if I encounter a victim of rape in the future.

During orientation, Julie did an outstanding job about providing the history of a forensic nurse, discussing the benefits and downsides of becoming a forensic nurse, and what to expect while we are out with a nurse

doing an examination on a rape victim. I loved how she provided us with the website for charting, so we could investigate what needs to be documented when the nurse is completing the exam. In addition, I appreciated that she provided a rape kit, so we could see what swabs and samples of DNA could be collected when doing an exam.

I believe Julie did an excellent job with the orientation. One aspect I wish Julie would have expanded on how to communicate therapeutically to a victim of rape. This is obviously a traumatic event to the victim and their loved ones and I feel like I would not know what to say to anyone once I get to the hospital and face a victim and/or their loved ones. I hope the nurse will provide a good example of how to effectively communicate if and when there is a rape case when I am on-call.