Justice Through Healing: Redefining Success in Forensic Nursing

During Forensic Nurses Week (November 3-9), we explore the evolving concept of justice in forensic nursing practice. Guests Megan McCulley, the Forensic Nursing Program Manager and SANE/SAFE Project Director at Memorial Central Emergency Department in Colorado Springs, and Jenifer Markowitz, IAFN Education and Publications Director and Expert Consultant, share insights from their decades of experience about how the forensic nursing field has transformed from practice focused on criminal justice outcomes to comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare delivery. We invite you to join us and share your voice on social media with the #FNW2025 hashtag and reflect: what does justice mean to you in the context of forensic nursing?

Key Episode Learnings:

• Learn how justice in forensic nursing extends far beyond courtroom outcomes, including helping patients feel seen, safe, and heard while giving them back their voice and agency
• Discover the importance of providing patients with informed options rather than predetermined paths, supporting their autonomy and allowing them to define healing personally
• Learn why role delineation is crucial in forensic nursing practice, with clear boundaries between healthcare and law enforcement building patient trust and ensuring ethical care
• Explore how modern forensic nursing prioritizes holistic trauma-informed healthcare and support
• Uncover the critical importance of self-care for forensic nursing sustainability - forensic nurses’ self-care is essential for ensuring both quality patient care and field longevity

Episode Glossary:

Advocate or victim advocate: In the United States, this is a trained professional who provides unbiased information and options to victims/survivors of violence at each stage in their journey. Victim advocates may be located at non-profits, where support may be confidential and conversations protected by law, depending on their state, or systems-based advocates based at government agencies, with a more narrow purview focused on supporting victims through the criminal justice process. Advocates may provide education and referrals, can assist in the criminal justice system processes, and facilitate access to other multidisciplinary resources. Advocates may also provide accompaniment to victims during the medical forensic exam, criminal justice proceedings, and more.

Episode Resources:

• Forensic Nurses Week 2025 Resources: https://www.forensicnurses.org/Forens...

IAFN Resources

• IAFN Online Learning Center (OLC): forensicnurses.org/page/OLCAccess/ (https://www.forensicnurses.org/page/O...)
• TeleSAFE Toolkit: Access this Step-by-Step Guide to a Trauma-Informed Program at forensicnurses.org/page/TeleSAFE/ (http://forensicnurses.org/page/TeleSAFE/)
• International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN): Learn more at forensicnurses.org (http://forensicnurses.org)
• IAFN Foundation: Support our work to spread forensic nursing at fundforensicnursing.org (http://fundforensicnursing.org)
• IAFN’s SAFEta Resources: Explore safeta.org (http://safeta.org)
• National Tribal Clearinghouse on Sexual Assault (NTCSA): Supporting tribal communities at supportingourcircle.org (http://supportingourcircle.org)

Join the Conversation
Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Send us a voice message on our website at forensicnurses.org/podcast/ (http://forensicnurses.org/podcast/) Let’s make this podcast a resource tailored to YOU!

Connect with Us

• Website: Forensic Nurses (http://forensicnurses.org)
• Instagram: @iafn_forensicnurses (  / iafn_forensicnurses  )
• IAFN Membership (https://forensicnurses.org/membership)
• Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter (https://forensicnurses.org/weekly-new...)

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