Analysis of Awareness for Healthcare Professionals in Forensic Nursing

Healthcare service is a product of a team effort. From doctors to nurses, caregivers to administrative personnel working in the hospital, all are parts of this team. Nurses who work in emergency services, intensive care units, inpatient services and even in the outpatient services are the first healthcare professionals who face victims and offenders [1]. Since there is no job description for forensic nurses in Turkey there are no forensic nurses who legally provide such a service. Such shortcomings cause insufficiency in collection and preservation of evidence in forensic cases. The nurses, who manage the legal process in forensic cases, should receive training in forensic nursing in their training process [2,3]. Any physical injuries caused by firearms, explosives, sharp objects, pricking objects or by crusher, any traffic accidents, fall events, assault cases, occupational accidents, intoxications, burn injuries, electric shocks, lightning strikes, asphyxia, any suicide attempts, any murders, suicides, and any suspected accidental deaths and any suspected deaths presenting to emergency services or health care providers are considered as forensic cases [4]. Forensic cases are the ones which need to be intervened in as soon as possible. The cases often arise as a result of careless acts, imprudence or intentional harms. Due to accidents, suicide attempt or traumas permanent injuries may occur in physical integrity and even it may result in death [5].