Pharmacogenomics, Biomarkers & Forensic Chemistry

Forensic Nursing

Forensic nursing practice is "application of nursing science to public or legal proceedings." Forensic nurses investigate real and potential causes of morbidity and mortality in a variety of settings. Forensic Nursing Care responsibilities range from collecting evidence from perpetrators and survivors of violent crime to testifying in court as a fact witness (someone who saw a situation first hand) or an expert witness (someone who offers an opinion of a particular situation). Forensic nurses understand evidence collection, such as forensic photography, for subsequent legal and civil proceedings and are the "bridge between the criminal justice system and the health care system." Skills of the forensic nurse include but are not limited to: observation, documentation, and preservation of evidence, all critical in determining the legal outcome of violent crimes. The largest subspecialty of forensic nursing is sexual assault, closely followed by death investigation, forensic psychiatric nursing and medical-legal consulting.