The role of forensic nurses is critical in two fields – health care and criminal justice (Constantino, Zalon, & Young, 2013). These professionals are the first who examine people in a healthcare environment after they suffer from an accident, attack, or acts of violence. Patients come from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Therefore, forensic nurses need to be both culturally sensitive and considerate while examining victims to avoid or at least minimize emotional trauma (Restuccia, 2014). Their mission is gathering important evidence, too. This case study views how a forensic nurse examines a female African American patient in an emergency room setting with regards to the patient’s cultural background. The second issue to consider is the role of a forensic nurse in investigating cases of FGM.
Forensic nurse is engaged in examination of a patient when there is a suspicion or evidence that the patient has suffered some wrongful act. Questioning an African American woman regarding domestic violence is a difficult task, for the nurse is supposed to win the patient’s trust and prepossess her. Cultural barriers the nurse may face are the following. The suspicious attitude of African Americans towards medicine, services and establishments may be a barrier. The nurse is to be aware of the value African Americans put in natural remedies or spiritual practice. Another barrier is expected lack of respect on the part of a nurse. Finally, an African American patient may lack trust in a nurse because of possible racial prejudice and the patient’s preferences to remain within the Black community and culture, and to keep the history of health conditions and accidents undisclosed.
Since the patient has suffered domestic violence, the examination and treatment have to be corresponding. Respectful attitude and corresponding address are necessary. Remembering that for many African Americans the family name means respecting their heritage is crucial (Campinha-Bacote, 2009). So the reference by the family name may win the patient’s trust. In the situation of domestic violence, it is necessary for the nurse to also consider social, religious and family status and role of the patient as well as possible traumatic experiences of the past (Copeland, 2016).
Regarding the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) the forensic nurse is usually engaged in the examination as this practice is illegal. The nurse’s role lies in evaluating the condition of a female patient who might have experienced FGM. The nurse is supposed to define if FGM has happened long before (and therefore to evaluate the connected health issues) or has just been performed (which is unlawful). In the latter case the patient or her custodian must be questioned upon conditions and reasons of the procedure, as well as the identity of the person who has performed it. Law enforcement should be informed straight away (McGargill, 2009). Forensic nurse has to carefully examine the patient and protocol all the details of the injury and the patient’s condition. Finally, if the patient comes from a cultural community where FGM is appropriate, the forensic nurse should contact local health practitioners in order to assure necessary health education for women and girls in this community, as well as inform them about their right to be legally protected from the FGM procedure (Lynch & Duval, 2011).
References
Campinha-Bacote, J. A culturally competent model of care for African Americans. Urologic Nursing, 29(1), 49-54.
Constantino, R. E., Zalon, M. L., & Young, S. E. (2013). The ethical, legal and sociocultural issues in forensic nursing. In R. E. Constantino, P. A. Crane, & S. E. Young (Eds.), Forensic nursing (pp. 44-64). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company.
Copeland, V. C. (2016). African Americans: disparities in health care access and utilization. Health & Social Work, 30(3), 265-70.
Hannigan, M. A. (1999). When a domestic violence victim reaches outtake her hand. Nursing Management, 30(10), 43-6. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/231435982?accountid=50415
Lynch, V. A. & Duval, J. B. (2011). Forensic nursing science. St. Louis: Elsevier.
McGargill, P. (2009). Female genital mutilation. Retrieved from http://www.forensicnurses.org/general/custom.asp?page=336
Restuccia, P. (2014, August 18). Forensic nursing has challenges, rewards. TCA Regional News. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1553748549?accountid=50415
Sommers, M. S., Fargo, J. D., Baker, R. B., Fisher, B. S., Buschur, C., & Zink, T. M. (2009). Health disparities in the forensic sexual assault examination related to skin color. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 5(4), 191-200.
