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Forensic Nursing: Beyond the Evidence

Forensic Nursing: Beyond the Evidence

By: International Association of Forensic Nurses
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 Treating patients at the darkest moment of their lives and putting them on the road to healing relies on compassion and skill from highly trained forensic nurses. Join hosts Kalen and Karen and deepen your own world of knowledge as you learn more about the real-life, evidence-based, trauma-informed care that patients who are victims of violence deserve. Podcast brought to you by the International Association of Forensic Nurses, the world’s largest and original forensic nursing professional organization.2025 Forensic Nursing: Beyond the Evidence by IAFN Hygiene & Healthy Living Science
Episodes
  • Healing Through Words: Mastering Communication & Maintaining Boundaries in Forensic Nursing

    Healing Through Words: Mastering Communication & Maintaining Boundaries in Forensic Nursing
    Aug 19 2025

    Join hosts Kalen and Karen alongside special guest Laci Smith as they dive into therapeutic communication and boundary-setting during medical forensic exams. This highly-requested episode provides practical strategies for forensic nurses to establish rapport, maintain professional boundaries, and support patients through trauma while protecting their own well-being.

    Key Episode Learnings:

    • Learn how proper communication techniques can build trust with trauma survivors without retraumatizing them.
    • Discover why maintaining professional boundaries protects both patients and clinicians while still providing compassionate care.
    • Understand how subtle word choices can dramatically impact a patient's healing journey.
    • Explore strategies to protect your professional and personal boundaries in challenging situations.
    • Recognize warning signs of burnout and vicarious trauma in your practice.

    Couldn’t join us live in Omaha for the #IAFN2025 International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice? You can still register for our upcoming virtual conference: https://iafn2025.eventscribe.net/

    Episode Resources:

    • Stalking of mental health professionals: An underrecognized problem (McIvor & Petch, 2018)

    IAFN Resources

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

    Connect with Us

    • Website: Forensic Nurses
    • Instagram: @iafn_forensicnurses
    • IAFN Membership
    • Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter

    Don’t Miss a Single Episode!

    Stay tuned for more forensic nursing stories, expert insights, groundbreaking research, and discussions that go beyond the evidence. Subscribe to this podcast in your favorite podcast app to get notified of the new episodes and don’t miss a step on this journey!
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Beyond the Binary: The Need for Gender-Affirming Care in Forensic Nursing (Part 2 with Ava Davis)

    Beyond the Binary: The Need for Gender-Affirming Care in Forensic Nursing (Part 2 with Ava Davis)
    Aug 5 2025
    In this powerful conclusion to the two-part series, Kalen and Karen continue their essential conversation with Ava Davis about providing trauma-informed, gender-affirming care for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming patients in forensic nursing settings. Part 2 dives deep into practical applications, featuring a real-world case study that demonstrates both the challenges and solutions in forensic nursing practice. We cover gender-affirming medical treatments, appropriate history gathering techniques, handling mistakes, and the critical importance of patient advocacy in healthcare settings. With detailed explanations of hormonal therapy, puberty inhibitors, and gender-affirming surgeries, this episode provides forensic nurses with the essential knowledge and tools needed to provide competent, compassionate care to gender-diverse patients. Don’t miss listening to Part 1!Key Episode Learnings:Discover the nuances of medical justification: Learn how explaining the medical necessity behind sensitive questions reduces patient anxiety and builds trustLearn the anatomical inventory techniques: Learn how to move from least to most invasive questioning when gathering medical history from gender-diverse patientsGender-affirming medical care 101: Discover the reality of hormonal therapy effects, puberty inhibitors, and various surgical options that patients may have experiencedUnleash the advocacy imperative: Learn why healthcare providers, not law enforcement, control what happens in healthcare facilities and must advocate for patient autonomyUncover the life-saving nature of affirmative care: Learn why hormone therapy can literally feel like saving a patient’s life and why denial of gender-affirming care can have devastating consequencesCouldn't join us live in Omaha at the #IAFN2025 International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice? You can still register for our upcoming virtual conference: https://iafn2025.eventscribe.net/Episode Resources:2022 U.S. Trans Survey: https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/USTS_2022Health%26WellbeingReport_WEB.pdfFenway Institute's National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH): https://wpath.org/National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/Gender Dysphoria Bible: https://genderdysphoria.fyi/en/physical-dysphoriaThe Genderbread Person: https://www.samkillermann.com/work/genderbread-person/The Safe Zone Project: https://thesafezoneproject.com/ IAFN ResourcesIAFN Online Learning Center (OLC): forensicnurses.org/page/OLCAccess/TeleSAFE Toolkit: Access this Step-by-Step Guide to a Trauma-Informed Program at forensicnurses.org/page/TeleSAFE/International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN): Learn more at forensicnurses.orgIAFN Foundation: Support our work to spread forensic nursing at fundforensicnursing.orgIAFN’s SAFEta Resources: Explore safeta.orgNational Tribal Clearinghouse on Sexual Assault (NTCSA): Supporting tribal communities at supportingourcircle.orgJoin the ConversationHave questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Send us a voice message on our website at forensicnurses.org/podcast/ Let’s make this podcast a resource tailored to YOU!Connect with UsWebsite: Forensic NursesInstagram: @iafn_forensicnursesIAFN MembershipSubscribe to our Weekly NewsletterDon’t Miss a Single Episode!Stay tuned for more forensic nursing stories, expert insights, groundbreaking research, and discussions that go beyond the evidence. Subscribe to this podcast in your favorite podcast app to get notified of the new episodes and don’t miss a step on this journey!
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    47 mins
  • Beyond the Binary: The Need for Gender-Affirming Care in Forensic Nursing (Part 1 with Ava Davis)

    Beyond the Binary: The Need for Gender-Affirming Care in Forensic Nursing (Part 1 with Ava Davis)
    Jul 29 2025
    In recognition of International Non-Binary People's Day (July 14), hosts Kalen and Karen welcome guest Ava Davis, a forensic teaching associate, actress, writer, and Sundance fellow. Ava joins us for this Part 1 of a crucial two-part series on providing gender-affirming care for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming patients in forensic nursing settings. This episode explores the significant rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, the increased vulnerability of gender-diverse populations to violence, and the essential role forensic nurses play in creating safe, inclusive healthcare environments. With notable statistics and practical guidance, we emphasize that gender-affirming care isn't extra—it's essential healthcare. Don’t miss Part 2 of this conversation! Subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app to get notified when Part 2 is live.Key Episode Learnings:Learn the power of simple actions: Discover how introducing yourself with pronouns and wearing inclusive symbols can create immediate safety for gender-diverse patientsUncover the healthcare avoidance crisis: Why have almost 1 in 4 trans individuals avoided healthcare in the past?Explore a unique trauma-informed approach: Learn how Ava's #1 rule of acting also applies to trauma-informed nursing care.Discover intersectionality impacts: Learn how multiple identity aspects (race, gender, sexuality) compound safety concerns and healthcare barriersMaster the essential terminology: Learn the clear definitions of transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and cisgender to communicate effectivelyRegistration for #IAFN2025 Omaha International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice is still open! Learn more and register here before the pre- and post-workshop seats fill up: forensicnurses.org/2025conferenceEpisode Resources:2022 U.S. Trans Survey: https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/USTS_2022Health%26WellbeingReport_WEB.pdfWorld Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH): https://wpath.org/National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/Gender Dysphoria Bible: https://genderdysphoria.fyi/en/physical-dysphoriaThe Genderbread Person: https://www.samkillermann.com/work/genderbread-person/The Safe Zone Project: https://thesafezoneproject.com/United States v. Skrmetti Case: https://transequality.org/news/trans-healthcare-supreme-court-explaining-united-states-v-skrmetti IAFN ResourcesIAFN Online Learning Center (OLC): forensicnurses.org/page/OLCAccess/TeleSAFE Toolkit: Access this Step-by-Step Guide to a Trauma-Informed Program at forensicnurses.org/page/TeleSAFE/International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN): Learn more at forensicnurses.orgIAFN Foundation: Support our work to spread forensic nursing at fundforensicnursing.orgIAFN’s SAFEta Resources: Explore safeta.orgNational Tribal Clearinghouse on Sexual Assault (NTCSA): Supporting tribal communities at supportingourcircle.orgJoin the ConversationHave questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Send us a voice message on our website at forensicnurses.org/podcast/ Let’s make this podcast a resource tailored to YOU!Connect with UsWebsite: Forensic NursesInstagram: @iafn_forensicnursesIAFN MembershipSubscribe to our Weekly NewsletterDon’t Miss a Single Episode!Stay tuned for more forensic nursing stories, expert insights, groundbreaking research, and discussions that go beyond the evidence. Subscribe to this podcast in your favorite podcast app to get notified of the new episodes and don’t miss a step on this journey!
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
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