ACFEI Launches Intro to Forensic Nursing

Dr. Dianne Ditmer, PhD, RN, FACFEI, DABFN, CMI-III, CFN, CHS-III, SANE, has authored a new course that will act as an introduction to forensic nursing. The course is designed for those nurses who do not meet the more rigorous requirements for the Certified Forensic Nurse, CFN® course, and it can serve as a stepping stone to that designation.

There is a growing need for the training of forenisc nurses. Six thousand acts of violence are committed every day across the United States. Thirty percent of all women seeking treatment in emergency departments are victims of battering.

Violence is an equal opportunity affliction. Although more women suffer from acts of violence, it affects all age groups, genders, cultures, races, religions, and knows no socio- economic boundaries. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, victims age 80 and older are abused and neglected three times more often than younger populations. Criminal and sexual acts are also committed against the physically, mentally, or communicatively disabled.

Victims are much more than faceless numbers— they are our patients. They come to us with acute injuries exacerbated by chronic illness and social issues. They are physically fragile, emotionally devastated, and experience extreme humiliation and denial. Male survivors are often disbelieved. Gay men and women often remain silent due to societal taboos. Hearing impairment and other physical conditions attendant to advancing age often render the elderly patient unable to make their needs known, which may result in prolonged or inappropriate treatment.

Providing care to victims of violence is compounded when the patient is disabled. They may have limited mobility that impairs examination, reduced mental capacity to comprehend questions, or limited communication skills to describe the event.

When patients with special needs become victims of violence, healthcare providers must individualize examination techniques and modify evidence collection based upon unique patient needs. Referrals to specialized support services and law enforcement agencies must be based upon the victim’s physical and cognitive limitations, cultural considerations, age specific needs, and gender-related concerns.

The Intro to Forensic Nursing course provides an evidence-based framework for nursing professionals to identify, assess, and care for victims of maltreatment and violence through the lifespan.

Students will apply scientific forensic principles to the clinical setting as they deliver care to multi-cultural, multi-generational, at-risk populations. Awareness of ethical, legal, and regulatory guidelines will serve as the underpinning of the framework for the nursing process. Case study analysis will assist the student in synthesis of forensics in healthcare through injury identification and evidence collection techniques including trace evidence, wound photography, and documentation strategies.

Dianne Ditmer 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. Dr. Ditmer 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 Institute (ACFEI) and Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Nursing (DABFN), she serves as chairman of the American Board of Forensic Nurses 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, the coroner’s office, and the prosecutor’s office.

Her national publications include forensic nursing certification modules for the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute, article publication in Nurses Digest, and acting as a 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.

Dr. Ditmer will be presenting at the 2009 National Conference in Las Vegaas, NV.
Courtesy of Dr. Robert O'Block, Founder and Publisher