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!
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    32 mins
  • Empowering Patients: The Nuances of Consent in Forensic Nursing

    Empowering Patients: The Nuances of Consent in Forensic Nursing
    Jul 15 2025

    In this insightful episode, hosts Kalen and Karen go beyond signatures and forms, diving deep into the nuances, challenges, and ethical complexities of consent in forensic nursing. They are unpacking the essential principles every healthcare professional should know about the consent process through real-life experiences, terminology breakdowns, and a compelling listener question. Tune in to this episode for vital takeaways for both new and seasoned forensic nurses!

    Key Episode Learnings:

    • Uncover five key points about consent and why it is an ongoing, multifaceted process, not just a formality
    • Discover how informed consent, assent, and capacity are central to ethical forensic nursing practice
    • Capacity vs. Competency: Learn the crucial distinction between these terms within medical and legal contexts respectively
    • Gain practical approaches for empowering patients, protecting their rights, and collaborating with families—especially when laws and personal wishes clash
    • Explore decision-making and patient-first advocacy for vulnerable populations, including minors, the elderly, individuals under the influence, and others with impaired decision-making capacity

    Registration for #IAFN2025 Omaha International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice is open! Learn more and register here before the pre- and post-workshop seats fill up: forensicnurses.org/2025conference

    Episode Resources:

    • Have a question or feedback for Kalen and Karen? Scroll down this page and submit your recorded question directly.

    Enjoyed the show? Leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app!

    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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    43 mins
  • Building Bridges: Forensic and Emergency Nurses on the Frontline

    Building Bridges: Forensic and Emergency Nurses on the Frontline
    Jun 17 2025

    In this special IAFN-Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) crossover episode, Kalen and Karen are joined by Ryan Oglesby, Board President of ENA, for a timely, insightful discussion about the essential—and evolving—relationship between forensic nurses and emergency nurses. From their personal stories to current joint organizational advocacy, this episode uncovers how working together improves patient outcomes, fosters holistic care, and creates a safer, more supportive work environment for healthcare professionals. Whether you are an ER nurse, forensic nurse, or just passionate about the future of trauma-informed patient care, this episode is packed with wisdom, clinical pearls, and resources.

    Key Episode Learnings:

    • Learn how forensic and emergency nursing roles synergize for better patient outcomes, supporting trauma-informed, holistic care in acute settings
    • Understand the evolution of evidence collection in emergency departments: Hear why forensic nursing programs are crucial and how they were developed by ER nurses filling care gaps
    • Discover myths and truths about forensic nursing careers: Can only ER nurses become forensic nurses?
    • Explore strategies for addressing workplace violence and advocating for safer work environments
    • Find out how collaboration leads to innovative care models and broader services for survivors of violence

    Registration for #IAFN2025 Omaha International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice is open! Learn more and register here before the pre- and post-workshop seats fill up: forensicnurses.org/2025conference

    Episode Resources:

    • Use code ENAIAFN25 at checkout to get 15% OFF to join either IAFN or ENA (Offer ends June 30, 2025): forensicnurses.org/ena-iafn
    • Emergency Nurses Association (ENA): ena.org

    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!
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Illuminating Justice & Equity: Using Alternate Light Source in Forensic Nursing (with Dr. Katherine Scafide)

    Illuminating Justice & Equity: Using Alternate Light Source in Forensic Nursing (with Dr. Katherine Scafide)
    Jun 3 2025

    In this illuminating episode, hosts Kalen and Karen shine a spotlight on Alternate Light Source (ALS) technology—a very powerful tool in the forensic nurse’s toolkit for revealing hidden injuries, especially on darker skin tones.

    Our expert guest, Dr. Katherine Scafide, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAAFS—a tenured Associate Professor (George Mason University) and renowned forensic nurse scientist, also known as “the paintball lady”—joins us to break down the science behind ALS, share actionable insights from her groundbreaking research and discuss the ethical implications, limitations, and future directions for ALS in both clinical practice and in the courtroom. Grab your goggles and let’s go beyond the visible!

    Key Episode Learnings:
    • Learn how Alternate Light Source (ALS) technology improves the detection of hidden injuries, especially in people with darker skin tones
    • Understand why light wavelength and intensity—not just fancy equipment—are critical for effective use in forensic nursing
    • Discover best practices for documentation and how—and why—it’s vital to report findings as not definitive diagnoses
    • Explore the ethical and legal considerations around ALS use and the importance of staying within your clinical scope
    • Recognize the urgent research gaps and the opportunities for forensic nurses to drive innovation and improve future guidelines
    Episode Resources:
    • Detection of Inflicted Bruises by Alternate Light: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial (Scafide et al., 2020) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7383750/
    • Improving the Forensic Documentation of Injuries Through Alternate Light: A Researcher-Practitioner Partnership (Scafide et al., 2023) https://learning.lww.com/ovidfiles/01263942-202303000-00005.pdf

    Registration for #IAFN2025 Omaha International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice is open! Learn more and register here before the pre- and post- workshop seats fill up: forensicnurses.org/2025conference

    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!
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Florence to Forensics: The Evolution of Nursing Care

    Florence to Forensics: The Evolution of Nursing Care
    May 20 2025

    As we celebrate National Nurses Week in May, Kalen and Karen take us on a fascinating journey through nursing history. Did you know that foundational concepts like trauma-informed care, confidentiality, and environmental healing date as far back to Florence Nightingale in the 1800s? We explore how the pioneering nurses and their ideas laid groundwork for modern practice while contrasting them with forensic nursing's recent emergence—still in its relative infancy despite its critical importance in healthcare today.

    Key Episode Learnings:
    • Explore the inspiring story of Florence Nightingale and development of the "Environmental Theory" in patient healing and recovery
    • Discover when the core concepts of modern nursing practice originated
    • Learn about the first registered male nurse and how army training affected nursing development as a profession
    • Uncover the groundbreaking role of the first African American professionally trained nurse—and who may be the first ever African American forensic nurse (the answer may surprise you!)
    • Dive into how the "mother of forensic nursing" pioneered the movement in the 1980s by creating the first graduate education program combining nursing and forensic science
    • Learn when the first SANE programs got established and when violence was officially identified as a healthcare issue by the U.S. Surgeon General

    Registration for #IAFN2025 Omaha International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice is open! Learn more and register here before the pre- and post- workshop seats fill up and early bird prices go up: forensicnurses.org/2025conference

    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!
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Own Your Forensic Nursing Journey: Be the Spark that Ignites Your Career (with Margaret Glembocki)

    Own Your Forensic Nursing Journey: Be the Spark that Ignites Your Career (with Margaret Glembocki)
    May 6 2025

    In this inspiring episode, we dive into the unique career journeys of three forensic nursing professionals. Through candid storytelling, Karen, Kalen, and our guest Margaret Glembocki reflect on their early jobs, pivotal career moments, and how unexpected opportunities—and networking—shaped their paths.

    How did experiences ranging from working as cashiers, bussers, and candy stripers evolve into impactful careers as forensic nurses, educators, healthcare program leaders, and policy advocates? You'll hear all about how hands-on bedside learning, mentorship, and the willingness to step into the unknown played critical roles in their careers.

    If you're a healthcare and nursing professional looking to expand your role, hit play to listen to valuable relatable examples and get encouragement to pursue your next steps thoughtfully and boldly – from stories of army and bedside nursing to Law & Order TV show technical advisor journeys.

    Key Episode Learnings:
    • How to find direction and motivation through networking and real-world exposure when you’re just starting your nursing career
    • Why the "right place, right time" moments often come to shape your best new opportunities
    • How networking, mentorship, continued education, and certifications play critical roles in forensic nursing and leadership
    • How forensic nurses contribute beyond the bedside—impacting legislation, shaping healthcare culture, and educating future generations
    • Why your early experiences matter so much as the stepping stones to fulfilling careers—no matter how unrelated they might seem now

    Registration for #IAFN2025 Omaha International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice is open! Learn more and register here before the pre- and post- workshop seats fill up and early bird prices go up: forensicnurses.org/2025conference

    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!
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins