Forensic Nursing Education Guidelines

Purpose

Education guidelines serve as a standardized body of knowledge for a specific area of nursing practice. They specify the minimum level of instruction required to ensure competent practice. Practitioners, teachers, and other leaders in the forensic nursing profession have developed, reviewed, and endorse the following forensic nursing education guidelines.

• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Education Guidelines, Adult and Pediatric (updated 2018)
• Forensic Nurse Death Investigator Education Guidelines (developed 2009; published 2013)
• Intimate Partner Violence Nurse Examiner Education Guidelines (updated 2020)
• Core Competencies for Advanced Practice Forensic Nursing (2004)

 

Components

Education Guidelines serve to:
• Define the patient population;
• Establish a minimum duration of instruction;
• Include recommendations for trainers or educators;
• Set forth a detailed content outline; and
• Specify recommendations for clinical preceptorship (if any).

 

Additional Materials

We support the United States Department of Justice’s National Training Standards for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiners (updated 2018), as well as the National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations (Adult/Adolescent)and (Pediatric). Download the Non-Fatal Strangulation Documentation Toolkit provided by IAFN for detailed guidance on assessment techniques, documentation, evidence collection, sample documents, and more.  

Access the Guidelines

Complimentary, downloadable copies are offered after completing the form below. Please note that your state/province/country may have specific training requirements. Always check with your local Board of Nursing to ensure your training meets their requirements.