Conceptual Model developed by Virginia Lynch (2006) prior to the forensic nursing specialty.
Identifies the primary theoretical foundations, concepts, roles, assumptions, and propositions for forensic nursing.
Stepping stone for forensic nursing and further theory development.
Helps describe and explain phenomena specific to forensic nursing practice.
(Valentine, 2014)
Image: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Pictorial-model-of-the-integrated-practice-model-for-forensic-nursing-science_fig1_341253026Lynch identifies a need for a nursing specialty with expertise in caring for patients impacted by violence (victims and suspects).
(Valentine, 2014)
Image: https://nursing.utah.edu/blog/2021/04/julie-melini-and-rewarding-career-of-forensic-nursingInternational Association of Forensic Nurses is developed.
(Valentine, 2014)
Image: https://www.forensicnurses.org/page/IAFN/American Nursing Association grants 'specialty status' to forensic nursing.
(Valentine, 2014)
Image: https://www.napnappartners.org/content/american-nurses-associationIntegrated Practice Model Evolves to a more defined middle-range theory
more structured, testable framework
supports forensic nurisng practice, education, and research
Forensic nursing roles expand
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE)
Death Investigators
Correctional Nursing
Legal Nurse Consultant
Nurses collaborate with health care professionals, law enforcement, forensic scientists, and criminal justice professionals
Trauma-informed care principles become integral to practice.
Understanding the effects of trauma
Implementing practice to avoid re-traumatization
Increasing focus on social justice
Addressing inherent rights of all individuals
Advocating for vulnerable & marginalized populations
(Valentine et al., 2020)
Image: https://www.aspen.edu/altitude/rn-to-forensic-nurse-forensic-nursing-guide/Key Areas of Focus:
Sexual Assault
Child Abuse
Interpersonal Violence
Criminal Justice/Corrections
Forensic Psychiatry
Death Investigation
Research Focus
Regional variations
US: Sexual Assault
Canada & UK: Forensic Psychiatry and Corrections
Predominantly description studies
few clinical trials
Gaps and opportunities for intervention-based research
(Colbert et al., 2020)
During the pandemic there was an increase in domestic violence and other interpersonal violence
Forensic nursing skills in trauma, violence, and abuse cases was critical
The pandemic placed a significant mental health burden on both patients and health care worked
Forensic nurses provided support by addressing psychological and emotional needs of those affected
Forensic Nurses contributed to policy-making and research efforts
Frontline experience informed public health strategies and research initiatives
(Colbert et al., 2020)