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About the Introduction to Forensic Nursing Program (Included in the CFN Program):
Introduction to Forensic Nursing provides individuals the education needed to investigate the application of forensic nursing principles and standards of care while building upon the nursing process. It addresses needs in meeting the healthcare and legal needs of vulnerable populations and victims of violence through the human lifespan. Curriculum includes assessment and interview strategies with consideration of physical and cognitive limitations, age specific needs, gender-related concerns, and ethnic and cultural specific risk factors. Wound and injury identification is included to provide an in-depth, comparative focus on traumatic wounds indicative of abuse, self-inflicted injuries, and anticipated, age-specific injuries. Documentation skills and evidence collection techniques are enhanced while learning about individualized examination techniques, forensic terminology, body maps and photographic techniques that are best practice. This course evaluates the role of forensic nursing in the courtroom and interface with law enforcement as supported by ethical, legal, and moral principles that guide daily practice and lifelong commitment to victims of violence.
Author: Dianne Ditmer, PhD, MS, RN, CFN, CMI-III, CHS-III, DABFN, SANE, FACFEI Abstract: Six thousand acts of violence are committed every day across the United States. Victims of rape, abuse, neglect, and trauma travel into health institutions, schools, daycares, and care facilities every day. They come with acute injuries exacerbated by chronic illness and social issues. They are physically fragile, emotionally devastated, and experience extreme humiliation and denial. Forensic nurses, by training and commitment to excellence, apply the foundations of physical, biological, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of man to the evidence-based investigation and treatment of vulnerable populations.
Recommended Readings:
1. Dana, V. J. (2006). Handbook of Forensic Pathology (2nd ed.). CRC Press.
2. Lynch, V. A. (2006). Forensic Nursing. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
3. International Association of Forensic Nurses. (1997). Scope and Standards of Forensic Nursing Practice. Washington D.C.: American Nurses Association.
About the Author: Dianne Ditmer, PhD, MS, RN, CFN, CMI-III, CHS-III, DABFN, SANE, FACFEI, is a Certified Forensic Nurse and clinical educator at Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio, with a background in emergency nursing, risk management, and medical investigation. Dr. Ditmer is committed to improving the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations and victims of violence through education of multi-disciplinary professionals, and she was appointed to the Governor’s Taskforce on Child Abuse. She collaborates with educators, law enforcement, and members to develop evidence-based educational programs for school systems, healthcare providers, and foster families. In addition to her role as an educator, Dianne provides direct care for living victims of abuse, neglect, and sexual assault. As a credentialed Fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFEI) and Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Nursing (DABFN), she serves as chairman of the American Board of Forensic Nursing and board member of the Ohio Healthcare Taskforce on Family Violence. As a member of the Montgomery County Sexual Assault Response Team and contributing author of the Montgomery County Sexual Assault Protocol Manual, Dr. Ditmer collaborates with members of law enforcement, coroner’s office, and the prosecutor’s office. Her national publications include forensic nursing certification modules for the American College of Forensic Examiners, article publication in Nurses Digest and contributing chapter author of Core Curriculum for Staff Development. As an international speaker, Dr. Ditmer presents to multi-disciplinary professionals on topics including forensic nursing, workplace violence against nurses, caring for vulnerable populations, and the impact of violence on multi-cultural, multi-generational patients. Dr. Ditmer also serves as adjunct faculty at Kettering College of Medical Arts, where she teaches forensics, research, ethics, and healthcare law.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this program, the participant will be able to:
- Compare milestones in the development of forensic science to the evolution of forensic nursing.
- Evaluate the benefits of forensic nursing in the identification, care, and treatment of victims and perpetrators of violence.
- Recognize parental and environmental factors that create risk factors for child abuse.
- Evaluate three characteristic burn patterns that result from intentional immersion.
- Compare and contrast indicators of physical and emotional neglect.
- Identify two elements for inclusion in written reports of child maltreatment.
- Recognize childhood health problems and symptoms associated with bullying, and evaluate the value and meaning of bullying behavior in the pediatric population.
- Recognize eight warning signs of youth violence.
- Evaluate three common forms of intimate partner abuse that occurs during pregnancy.
- Discuss the types of assaults and resulting injuries to victims of intimate partner violence that are observed by children in the household, as well as evidence-based physical, social, and psychological effects on children who witness family violence.
- Identify familial and personal risk factors for elder maltreatment, and identify criteria for suspicion of emotional and physical abuse of the elderly.
- Evaluate factors that influence the size, shape and evolution of contusions, and distinguish between blunt force and sharp trauma.
- Recognize four types of injuries associated with abuse.
- Recognize 3 strategies for wound and injury documentation.
- Evaluate factors that enhance the quality of photo documentation.
- Evaluate strategies to collect and preserve clothing as evidence.
- Identify principles to maintain chain of custody.
- Evaluate forensic standards for preparing the body for transportation to the Coroner’s Office.
- Review the principles for determining cause, manner, and mechanism of death.
- Discuss the factors that influence legal, ethical, and moral decision making.
- Review the elements of Tort Law, and identify 2 examples of Negligent Tort.
- Understand strategies to consider when preparing to be a witness for deposition, and review the Golden Rules of Testimony.
Accreditations: Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 13133, for 15 contact hours.
- The American College of Forensic Examiners International (ACFEI) provides continuing education credits for Diplomates and Certified members, whom we recommend obtain 15 credits per year to maintain their status.
- The American Psychotherapy Association provides continuing education credits for Diplomates and Certified members, whom we recommend obtain 15 credits per year to maintain their status.
- The American Association of Integrative Medicine (AAIM) provides continuing education credits for Diplomates and Certified members, whom we recommend obtain 15 credits per year to maintain their status.
- The American Board for Certification in Homeland Security (ABCHS) provides continuing education for Diplomates and Certified members, whom we recommend obtain 15 credits per year to maintain their status.
Member Price: $350
Nonmember Price: $495
To enroll online or to find out more click here now!
About the Certified Forensic Physician® program:
The American College of Forensic Examiners Institute is proud to announce the Certified Forensic Physician®, CFP program. This is an advanced credential that recognizes additional training and expertise for forensic physicians. ACFEI has elevated standards through education, basic and advanced training. The CFP designation will provide a mechanism for measuring scientific standards and procedures required to perform thorough forensic medical investigations and proper consultation.
About the Author:
Dr. Cyril Harrison Wecht is a nationally renowned, American forensic pathologist. He has served as a consultant in numerous high-profile cases, but is perhaps best known for his outspoken criticism of the Warren Commission's findings concerning the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
He has served as the president of both the American Academy of Forensic Science and the American College of Legal Medicine, and currently heads the board of trustees of the American Board of Legal Medicine. He served as the county commissioner, coroner and, later Medical Examiner of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
Wecht is a resident of the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
Wecht became famous appearing on television and consulting on deaths with a high media profile. Some of the cases include; Robert F. Kennedy, Sharon Tate, The Symbionese Liberation Army shootout, John F. Kennedy, The Legionnaires’ Disease panic, Elvis Presley, JonBenét Ramsey, Dr. Herman Tarnower (the Scarsdale diet guru), Danielle van Dam, Sunny von Bülow, the Branch Davidian incident, Vincent Foster, Laci Peterson and most recently Daniel and Anna Nicole Smith. During his career, Wecht has personally performed over fourteen thousand autopsies. He is a clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and an adjunct professor of law at Duquesne University.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describes the American Legal System interface and the value of expert testimony.
2. Recognizes the importance and impact of the statute of limitations.
3. Explains res ipsa loquitur.
4. Assesses tort law and legal definitions of “injury.”
5. Interprets the elements of a court case and aspects of a malpractice case.
6. Lists the titles and key points of the American with Disabilities Act.
7. Analyzes the implication of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
8. Discusses evidence identification and specific collection techniques.
9. Demonstrates understanding of patient-practitioner issues such as incompetency, compliance, and informed consent.
10. Applies pathology techniques to crime solving and expert testimony.
Minimum Requirements:
- Be an ACFEI member
- Have 5 years medical experience
- Hold an active license as a M.D. or D.O.
- Have no disciplinary record or ethical violation with any licensing board
How to Apply:
There are two options to receiving certification as a Certified Forensic Physician®. Applicants may choose from the following two tracks:
Track 1: Online Course and Examination
- Step 1: Submit the Application Online or Download the Application
- Step 2: Complete the Online Course
- Step 3: Pass the exam authored by Dr. Cyril Wecht, MD, JD, CMI-V, CFP
- Step 4: Submit necessary documentation such as résumé and professional license
Track 2: Portfolio Review
- Step 1: Submit the Application Online or Download the Application
- Step 2: Submit necessary documentation such as:
- • Current Résumé/Curriculum Vitae
- • Photocopies of your degree(s), diploma(s), certificate(s), and license(s)
- • Sample work products
Member Price: $695.00
Non-Member Price: $895.00
What is Forensic Nursing?
Forensic nursing is an exciting and rapidly growing specialty field that offers great opportunities and rewarding career options for nursing professionals. However, it can be challenging to set yourself apart from your peers to get the recognition and respect you deserve, both in the medical community and the legal arena.
What are the minimum qualifications to be a CFN®?
An applicant must have been a current and active RN for a minimum of three years and Complete the CFN application and clinical experience validation form.
How do I submit the required documentation?
You can mail the documentation to: 2750 E. Sunshine St. Springfield, MO 65804, Attn: CFN; Fax the documentation to 417.881.4702, Attn: CFN; or e-mail Member Services.
How many modules are in the Introduction to Forensic Nursing course?
There are a total of nine modules covering the following topics: an introduction to forensic nursing, the history of forensic nursing, caring for vulnerable populations, school and youth violence, intimate partner violence, elder abuse and management, wound identification and injury cases, evidence collection and documentation strategy, and death investigation.
How many Continuing Education credits (CE's) is the CFN® worth?
The CFN® is worth 15 CE's with the American College of Forensic Examiners InstituteSM and the California Board of Registered Nursing (CBRN).
How and where is the CFN® exam offered?
The CFN® exam is offered through our Web site and, at this time, is solely an online test. Once you feel you are prepared to take the exam, click on the "Final Exam" tab on the navigation bar on the left-side of your screen.
What does the $350 credentialing price include?
The $350 includes all the study materials, the exam, and sample questions. If you wish to purchase the book, you must do that on your own.
What happens if I fail?
If you were to fail the exam, you would be allowed to re-take the exam, up to twice, at a reduced rate of $100 per attempt.
Once a member is "credentialed" what must he/she do to maintain their credential?
ACFEI places a high priority on continuing education, and once a member is credentialed by ACFEI, either through the successful completion of one of our credentialing programs or the Diplomat program, he or she must maintain membership in ACFEI and is expected to complete a minimum of 15 hours of related continuing education per year to maintain the credential. ACFEI offers appropriate professional continuing education opportunities through its national and regional conferences and though journal learning articles in its peer-reviewed publication The Forensic Examiner®. ACFEI also accepts appropriate continuing education from other equivalent organizations. ACFEI offers several continuing education articles online for free.
Home
To be redirected to the homepage of the American College of Forensic Examiners, go to www.acfei.com.
The American College of Forensic Examiners International (ACFEI), founded by Robert O'Block, is an independent, scientific, and professional association representing forensic examiners worldwide.
We actively promote the dissemination of forensic information and the continued advancement of forensic examination and consultation across the many professional fields of membership. We have elevated standards through education, credentials, basic and advanced training as well as Diplomate and Fellow status.
We serve as the national center for this purpose and circulates information and knowledge through the official journal - The Forensic Examiner®, lectures, seminars, conferences, workshops, continuing education courses, and home study courses.
We believe Forensic Examiners do not 'win' or 'lose' cases. Forensic Examiners seek only the truth and conduct evaluations, examinations, and inquiries and report the true results of their findings in an unbiased and objective manner
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