Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program – Kimberly Hurst, PA-C E. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FORENSIC NURSE While there are currently several well-recognized roles and practice settings for the FN, the opportunity for growth and development into new roles and areas of practice will be significantly impacted by the GCFN and its graduates. Careers as FNs currently include but are not limited to: • Hospitals: generalist forensic nurse, emergency departments, critical care, women’s health, pediatrics, geriatrics • Sexual assault nurse examiner programs • Medical examiner’s office • Psychiatric facilities • Correctional facilities • Legal Nurse Consultants • Expert witness testimony • Government agencies: Disaster preparedness, military affairs • Public health organizations • Child and Elder maltreatment investigation GRADUATE CERTIFCATE FORENSIC NURSING 20 NR New Graduate Certificate Forensic Nursing 2013 V3 F. DESCRIPTION OF EXPECTED STUDENTS The SON’s GCFN is designed for RNs who have earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing and have at least one year of clinical experience as a practicing nurse. RNs that meet these requirements and are interested in expanding their nursing expertise through education as a FN would be a main source of student enrollment for the program. Currently practicing FNs would also find the program appealing. First, it would provide graduates with academic credit and a graduate certificate upon completion of the program lending credibility to their FN practice. Second, the program would provide the FN with extensive education as a FN generalist, expanding upon their previously received subspecialty training, allowing them to practice in other areas within FN practice. While the program is designed for nurses educated at the BSN level, it may motivate RNs who currently hold their Associates Degree or Diploma in nursing to obtain their BSN at OU in order to be eligible for the program. As a result, the SON may see an increase in enrollment in the RN to BSN completion program. In regards to program interest, a survey was administered in April 2013 to current students in OU’s SON inquiring if they would consider pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Nursing at OU. Out of 156 students surveyed, 76 students responded: 44- yes, 13- no, and 19- maybe. A presentation on the SON GCFN program was also delivered to RNs participating in a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner course offered by Turning Point in Macomb County in April 2013. All 25 RNs that participated in the course signed up to receive additional information about OU’s FN program. In addition, after an article on the forensic nursing program appeared in a June 2013 issue of the Pulse magazine, the SON immediately received an influx of phone calls and emails from nurses practicing in our community requesting additional information on the forensic program. 3. SCHOOL OF NURSING – BUDGET AND NEEDS A. BUDGET TABLE Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 2014-15 Graduate tuition rate of projected 2% increase each year. A charitable contribution in the amount of $25,000 (identified as “gift” in the budget table above) has been received by the SON in the amount of $25,000 and has been specifically allocated for the GCFN program once approved. GRADUATE CERTIFCATE FORENSIC NURSING 22 NR New Graduate Certificate Forensic Nursing 2013 V3 B.