VC-1006
FORENSIC SCIENCES IN HEALTHCARE
Orientation for Nurses
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is an introductory course for nurses who wish to explore nursing's newest specialty-forensic nursing. The history of forensic science and the evolving role in healthcare is discussed. Emphasis is placed on nursing roles and responsibilities associated with both victims and perpetrators of violent acts. These roles include trauma, interpersonal and domestic abuse, mass casualty incidents and sexual assault. The role of nurses caring for domiciliary populations in psychiatric and correctional facilities is also discussed; as well as contributions of forensic nurses is explored in terms of their value to law enforcement, civil and criminal judicial proceedings, and hospital risk management. The importance of identification, collection and preservation of biological and physical evidence and specific basic techniques for handling of evidence is also discussed. Appropriate documentation and chain of custody procedures are highlighted. Case study presentations emphasize forensic nursing theory and problem solving skills will be developed via a series of case study presentations and feedback sessions.
This course is designed to help the participant to acquire forensic nursing intuition, what is known in forensic nursing as a "Forensic Antenna". Students are encouraged to explore the ever-widening array of career sub-specialties within the forensic nursing discipline, including death investigation, correctional nursing, forensic psychiatry, forensic photography, accident reconstruction, clinical forensic nursing and more. Forensic organizations and resources are also introduced as they relate to career orientation and development.
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Pamela A. Assid began her nursing career in 1995 after graduating as the number one Distinguished Graduate from her USAF ROTC class at Texas Christian University. In 1997, while on active duty with the Air Force, she completed a Master's degree at the University of Wyoming and in 1999, received the Forensic Nursing Graduate Certificate from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Capitalizing on her forensic nursing education, Pam created the first abuse and neglect protocols for the USAF. After her most recent deployment to the Middle East, Pam transitioned to the USAF Reserve and established her own independent legal nurse and forensic nursing consulting firm, IPR Medical Legal Consulting, LLC. She has written legal nursing articles for nationally recognized publications such as, The Journal of Emergency Nursing and Topics in Emergency Medicine, and has traveled the country lecturing to nursing leadership and management about forensic nursing protocols and standards of care. In addition to her extensive emergency nursing and critical care backgrounds, Pam has created and taught online courses including Child Maltreatment, Elder Mistreatment, Basic Evidence Collection and Documentation, and Patterned Injuries through Greenville Technical College. She was a contributing author for Virginia A. Lynch's textbook, Forensic Nursing, and, an editor for the Emergency Nurses' Association revised Core Curriculum. Pam is a not only a highly respected clinical manager at her civilian hospital, she is also the Chief Nurse for a new USAF Reserve medical squadron. Her numerous distinctions include the USAF Meritorious Service Medal and the USAF Academy's 2006 Individual Mobilization Augmentee Award. She is an active teacher for emergency nursing and disaster preparedness courses within her community and serves on a city council/county commission advisory board related to children and families, specifically offering advice on neglect and maltreatment issues within the local area. Pam is an active member of the International Association of Forensic Nurses, the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants, and the Society of Air Force Nurses.
OBJECTIVES
Define the specialty of forensic nursing and explain its role in healthcare and the community
Trace the historical development and current status of forensic nursing as a specialty
Examine the collaborative relationships inherent in medico-legal investigations between healthcare personnel, law enforcement, and judicial authorities
Identify, report and refer forensic cases using criteria developed by JCAHO
Outline the principles and techniques relevant to clinical forensic examinations and evidentiary management
Explore planning and preparation essential for a career in forensic nursing
WHO MAY TAKE THIS COURSE
Nurses and other clinical personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters and safety personnel, EMTs, and paramedics and others who have duties to record photographic evidence.
PREREQUISITES
There are no prerequisites for this course.
AVAILABILITY
2010 Course Start Dates
1-10-10, 2-21-10, 4-4-10, 5-23-10, 7-4-10, 8-15-10, 10-3-10, 11-21-10
CE CONTACT HOURS
30-Continuing Education Hours
DURATION
This is a 6 Week course. The course must be completed within one calendar year of enrollment.
PRESENTATION METHOD
This online course consists of instructor led discussions, and practical exercises in forensic photography, interactive forums, and independent study.
TEACHING METHOD
This program is presented online with on-going instructor participation. There is an established time frame for completion of assignments, homework, research projects, and for participating in discussion forums. Lessons are supplemented by online interactive quizzes, tutorials, and discussions. All assignments and homework must be submitted to the instructor via e-mail or digital drop box. Routine course guidance and instructional materials will be accessed online. A final examination is administered interactively and can be accessed by the student within a specified time period. The course syllabus provides students with a roadmap for course navigation as well as a detailed schedule.
METHOD OF GRADING
Assignments 40%
Case Studies 15 %
Discussions 20%
Final Examination 25%
METHOD OF COURSE EVALUATION
After successful completion of the course study and examination with a passing score of 70%, an evaluation shall be completed and submitted to amerforensi@linkline.com
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Upon completion of the course study, course evaluation submission and examination passing score of 70%, the student will receive an official embossed Certificate of Completion verifying continuing education hours
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
Note: Allow 2 weeks for receipt of course materials. Order early.
Forensic Nursing, by Virginia A. Lynch with Janet Barber Duval, Elsevier,
2006. ISBN 0-323-02826-8
Click here to order
SUGGESTED COURSE MATERIALS
There are no suggested course materials
OTHER RELATED COURSES
Documentation and Communication:Forensic Issues for Healthcare in the Digital Era
COURSE FEE
$275.00 (or US equivalent)
Note: Fee does not include required course materials. The student will receive an email confirmation upon receipt and processing of course payment. Within twenty-four hours prior to the course start date, the student will receive an email with user name, password, Blackboard link and student ID.
All courses and materials are based on United States laws and regulations unless otherwise noted. Laws vary from state to state.
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Note: Automatic registration occurs when paying for course
