Forensic nursing: An emerging competency for contemporary practice

Getting to know the person behind the illness – the significance of interacting with patients hospitalised in forensic psychiatric settings

“…Hildegard Peplau published her interpersonal relational theory, which emphasises that the nurse-client relationship is at the heart of the nursing process (Peplau 1992). Moreover, Miller et al (2010) state that the primary role in FMHN is grounded in the tenets of basic nursing. However, this kind of relationship can also be challenging for nurses in forensic care, who sometimes distance themselves from patients' expressions of suffering or consider them as inevitable (Vincze et al 2015).…”

“…There are various descriptions of desirable characteristics for FMH nurses. For example, Miller et al (2010) stressed the importance of interpersonal skills and the ability to think critically. Furthermore, Bowring-Lossock (2006) also highlighted the importance of interpersonal skills and stressed personal maturity and the establishment of relationships with forensic patients.…”

“…Much of the identity of a nurse is defined by the activities s/he engages in, such as taking blood samples, giving injections and performing wound care. H€ orberg (2008) described the role of the FMH nurse as nebulous, although Miller et al (2010) presented a more clear view in her theoretical framework of FMHN, in which interpersonal skills and critical thinking were accentuated. Willetts and Clarke (2014) argue that little research has been conducted on the social identity of nurses and its correlation to their professional identity.…”

“…Moreover, Miller et al . () state that the primary role in FMHN is grounded in the tenets of basic nursing. However, this kind of relationship can also be challenging for nurses in forensic care, who sometimes distance themselves from patients’ expressions of suffering or consider them as inevitable (Vincze et al .…”

A Case Report of Gunshot Terror Attack in Pregnancy: Implications for Forensic Nursing

“…A forensic nurse can offer the knowledge and skills to competently assess trauma victims, implement appropriate interventions, and make legal and medical referrals (Miller, Leadingham, McKean & McManus, 2010) all of which enhance the reintegration of trauma patients within their communities.…”