**Summary of Primary Function**

The Forensic Registered Nurse (RN) is a highly specialized professional who leverages dedicated education and training to deliver comprehensive, trauma-informed nursing care. They operate with increasing independence, utilizing the nursing process, current evidence-based clinical knowledge, and the International Association of Forensic Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA & IAFN 2016). The core function is to provide professional nursing care for patients across the lifespan who have been affected by crime, unlawful acts, trauma, and intentional or unintentional harm.

This role is inherently complex, requiring the integration of knowledge from nursing science, criminal justice, public health, and forensic science. The Forensic Nurse applies a trauma-informed approach to accurately assess the medical-legal needs of these patients, collaborating with the health team to coordinate care, anticipate nursing intervention outcomes, and...