Membership in the Forensic Nursing Science Section
Forensic Nursing Science Section members represent the forensic specialist in nursing science, combining the principles and philosophies of the traditional forensic sciences and those of contemporary nursing in the clinical investigation of crime-related trauma, liability issues, and medical deaths. Forensic nursing is active in an extensive range of subspecialties, including pediatric and adult sexual assault, psychiatric mental health, nursing jurisprudence, death investigation, intimate partner violence, child and elder abuse, human trafficking, refugee health, and other areas where forensic assessments are analyzed, including genocide, torture, and mass disaster response. Forensic nurses apply scientific expertise, technical assistance, medicolegal education, and research pertaining to the consequences of human violence and social justice. This specialized nursing role is a fully designated, evidenced-based practice that recognizes human violence through state-of-the-art scientific knowledge, pertinent issues of law, and desecrated human rights while simultaneously applying an investigative and interpretative search for the truth.
Dr. Amy Carney Introduces the Forensic Nursing Science Section
Dr. Amy Carney, Professor of Nursing: Forensic Specialist , at California State University San Marcos introduces the newest section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Forensic Nurses have long been a part of the General Section at AAFS, until they officially established the Forensic Nursing Science Section at the 2022 AAFS Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington.
My membership in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences has been intellectually stimulating, inspirational, and motivating. It has been exceptionally educational in areas of science that have enhanced my understanding of how the forensic sciences impact life and death. It has allowed me to participate in vast aspects of knowledge I previously didn't know existed, yet relates to every pertinent component of health and justice.
The Academy has provided me with an opportunity to meet and associate with members of the various disciplines in other sections who have influenced my perspectives and comprehension of the forensic sciences. I have been privileged to work with forensic colleagues who have served as examples in professionalism, ethics, academics, and to participate in the global forensic sciences in 37 different countries. This privilege has guided my practice throughout the last 40 years and has evolved into the Academy's 12th section as the Forensic Nursing Science Section in 2022.
- Virginia Lynch, MSN, RNSection Leadership
Who should apply to the Forensic Nursing Science Section?
Experienced nursing professionals interested in expanding their current role beyond the recognized boundaries of clinical practice may wish to join the Forensic Nursing Science Section and explore the extensive world of forensic health science.
Websites Pertaining to Nursing Science
- The Academy of Forensic Nursing
- The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)
- International Council of Nurses
- World Association of Disaster and Emergency Medicine
- American Academy of Nursing
- American Nurses Association
- Emergency Nurses Association
- Canadian Nurses Association
- Canadian Forensic Nurses Association
- Foreign Nurses Association in Japan
- Sigma Global Nursing
- Australian College of Nursing
Forensic Nursing Science Membership Requirements
*Applicants should understand which requirements they have to meet to determine which entry level status they may join.
Recent Forensic Nursing Science Section News
All AAFS Sections
AAFS is organized into 12 sections that encompass many forensic science disciplines. AAFS is honored to have more than 6,500 members from around the globe.