• 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

    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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    30 mins
  • 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

    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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    29 mins
  • 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

    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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    39 mins
  • Workshops & Wonders: 2025 IAFN Omaha Conference Intel
    Apr 29 2025

    In this bonus episode, Karen and Kalen break down the pre- and post- IAFN 2025 Conference workshops—plus all the fun things to do in Omaha while you’re there!

    From building courtroom testimony confidence to upskilling your hands-on forensic photography, these immersive sessions offer valuable CE credits and expert instruction for every forensic nurse. With limited spots available, early registration is a must!

    And what about when the workshops wrap up? Kalen shares top picks for exploring Omaha, from quirky golf bars to the country’s #1 zoo. Whether you're flying solo, coming with colleagues, or bringing the family, Omaha has a bit of magic to offer to everyone!

    Key Episode Learnings:
    • Learn about the wide range of hands-on pre- and post-conference workshops at the 2025 IAFN Conference in Omaha, designed to enhance your skills and earn CE credits.
    • Discover how sessions like courtroom testimony practice and forensic photography training can boost your confidence and professional impact.
    • Explore how these workshops create a supportive, skill-building environment led by expert forensic nursing instructors at the cutting-edge Davis Global Center.
    • Get tips on planning ahead—why you’ll want to register early before seats fill up.
    • Why Omaha? Hear what makes Omaha a great destination, with insider tips from Kalen on what to eat, see, and experience while you're there.
    • Find out why this year’s IAFN conference is the perfect mix of professional growth and a fun getaway.

    Registration for #IAFN2025 Omaha International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice is opening on May 1! Learn more and register here before the pre- and post- workshop seats fill up: forensicnurses.org/2025conference

    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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    26 mins
  • Examining Child Maltreatment PART 2 (with Jennifer Pierce-Weeks)
    Apr 15 2025
    In this second part of our two-part discussion on forensic nurses’ response to child maltreatment, in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, we dive deeper into mandatory reporting as part of the critical role that forensic nurses play in bridging healthcare and the legal system. Our guest, Jennifer Pierce-Weeks, Chief Executive Officer of IAFN, shares a compelling case study that highlights gaps in the current child maltreatment response system and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Tune in as we explore how forensic nurses can ensure that children receive the protection and care they deserve.Key Episode Learnings:Learn how forensic nurses serve as a vital link between healthcare and the justice system when caring for children who may be mistreated.Discover why understanding and respecting the recommendations of medical professionals is crucial in child maltreatment cases.Explore the challenges and systemic barriers that impact child abuse investigations and interventions.Understand why collaboration between hospitals, child advocacy centers, and legal professionals is essential for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care for children.Gain insight into the importance of ongoing education, strong work environments, and nurse autonomy in making a meaningful impact on child maltreatment prevention.Don’t miss listening to Part 1 of this episode, where we discussed protective and risk factors of child maltreatment.Suggested Reading:Article 1: Austin, A. E., Lesak, A. M., & Shanahan, M. E. (2020). Risk and protective factors for child maltreatment: A review. Current Epidemiology Reports, 7(4), 334-342. Doi: 10.1007/s40471-020-00252-3Article 2: Winqust, A., Burduli, E., Eddy, L. L., Giardino, T. L., Fraser, J., & Leiker, C. B. (2025). Workplace experiences of nurses in their role as child abuse and neglect mandated reporters. Child Abuse & Neglect, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107250Article 3: Santhosch, S. U., Shukla, D., & Rani, S. C. M. (2023). The vital role of forensic nurses in caring for abused children. International Journal of Ethics, Trauma and Victimology, 9(2), 29-32.IAFN Child Physical Abuse Course: This 8-hour course will assist the registered and advanced practice nurse in increasing comfort and competence in providing comprehensive care for the physically abused child. https://learn.forensicnurses.org/Listing/Child-Physical-Abuse-5412 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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    28 mins
  • Examining Child Maltreatment PART 1 (with Jennifer Pierce-Weeks)
    Apr 1 2025
    In observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, Part 1 of our two-part series explores the risk and protective factors related to child maltreatment, with a particular focus on healthcare and forensic nursing. In today’s episode, we are joined by Jennifer Pierce-Weeks, Chief Executive Officer of IAFN, as we discuss our experiences working with this vulnerable patient population. We also highlight the critical role that social support, proper patient care, and education play in preventing child abuse.Key Episode Learnings:Learn about the key protective factors against child maltreatment, including social support networks, parental involvement, and emotional support for parents.Discover how social services can play a crucial role in both identifying and preventing child maltreatment through education and providing necessary resources to parents.Understand the impact of parental education on reducing the risk of maltreatment, and how even basic education can serve as a protective factor.Explore the subtle red flags in cases of child maltreatment, including the importance of healthcare providers asking the right questions and paying attention to inconsistencies in patient stories.Realize how personal experiences shape understanding of child welfare, as shared by the guest and hosts, underscoring the significance of awareness and proper response in nursing practice.Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode, where we will discuss mandatory reporting and how forensic nursing can address suspected cases of child maltreatment.Suggested Reading:Article 1: Austin, A. E., Lesak, A. M., & Shanahan, M. E. (2020). Risk and protective factors for child maltreatment: A review. Current Epidemiology Reports, 7(4), 334-342. Doi: 10.1007/s40471-020-00252-3Article 2: Winqust, A., Burduli, E., Eddy, L. L., Giardino, T. L., Fraser, J., & Leiker, C. B. (2025). Workplace experiences of nurses in their role as child abuse and neglect mandated reporters. Child Abuse & Neglect, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107250Article 3: Santhosch, S. U., Shukla, D., & Rani, S. C. M. (2023). The vital role of forensic nurses in caring for abused children. International Journal of Ethics, Trauma and Victimology, 9(2), 29-32.IAFN Child Physical Abuse Course: This 8-hour course will assist the pediatric forensic nurse in increasing comfort and competence in providing comprehensive care for the physically abused child. https://learn.forensicnurses.org/Listing/Child-Physical-Abuse-5412 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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    26 mins
  • Workplace Violence in Healthcare: Forensic Nursing’s Critical Role
    Mar 18 2025

    Workplace violence is a harsh reality for many healthcare professionals, yet it's often overlooked or minimized. In this episode, Kalen and Karen take a deep dive into how forensic nurses can step in to support their colleagues who experience violence on the job. They bust the stubborn workplace violence myths and discuss the importance of ensuring that those who care for others receive the same level of care and advocacy when they become victims themselves.

    Beyond addressing individual cases, this conversation highlights the larger systemic challenges forensic nurses face, including pushback from those in a position of authority, navigating hospital policies, and ensuring that patient rights remain the top priority.

    Key Episode Learnings:

    • Workplace Violence Myths - Busted: Debunk misconceptions, including the responsibility of healthcare workers in handling and reporting violence.
    • The Role of Forensic Nurses in Workplace Violence Cases: How forensic nurses can support employees who experience violence on the job, including their direct colleagues.
    • Patient Rights vs. Law Enforcement Influence: Why forensic nurses must advocate for patient autonomy, even when those in a position of authority may instruct them otherwise.
    • Handling Pushback & Escalation Strategies: What to do when faced with resistance from law enforcement or tight hospital administration policies.
    • Forensic Nursing Response to Workplace Violence: A behind-the-scenes look at strategies that ensure healthcare workers receive the same forensic care as other victims of violence.

    Extra Episode Resources:

    • Article Discussed: “The growing burden of workplace violence against healthcare workers: trends in prevalence, risk factors, consequences, and prevention – a narrative review” sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537024002207

    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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    52 mins
  • Beyond the Bedside: Nurses Who Step Into the Coroners’ Shoes (with Dr. Annette Cannon and Bobbi Jo O'Neal)
    Mar 4 2025

    In this insightful episode, we dive into the critical role forensic nurses play in death investigations. Our expert guests, coroners Dr. Annette Cannon and Bobbi Jo O'Neal, share their unique experiences as elected coroners, highlighting the importance of humility, mentorship, and building trust in the field. We discuss the reality of working in medical-legal death investigations, debunking the "CSI effect," and emphasizing the skills that truly matter in the profession.

    Whether you're a seasoned forensic nurse or just curious about this field, this conversation will provide expert insights into the critical role forensic nurses play in death investigations, how they bridge the gap between medicine and law, and why their work is essential in ensuring justice and supporting families. We also reflect on self-care, the healing impact forensic nurses can have on grieving families, mentorship, and the rewarding aspects of the profession.

    Key Episode Learnings:

    • Entering the Field of Forensic Nursing and Death Investigation: Learn how to take the first steps, from finding mentors to networking with key professionals in the system.
    • The Reality of Death Investigations: Discover why the most “TV-worthy” cases aren’t always the most complex and why the real challenge lies in uncovering medical mysteries where the value of forensic nurses becomes evident.
    • Building Trust in the System: Understand why humility and teachability are crucial when working with coroners, law enforcement, and forensic teams.
    • Forensic Nurses at Crime Scenes: Learn how forensic nurses contribute to crime scene investigations, including evidence collection in sexual assault-related homicides.
    • State Laws & Regulations: Find out how to research your state’s death investigation statutes using the CDC’s resources to understand your local system.
    • The Emotional Side of Forensic Nursing: Gain insight into the emotional load of this work and how nurses can make a devastating moment just a little less painful for grieving families.
    • Why This Work Matters: Hear firsthand how forensic nurses bring closure to families, ensure thorough investigations, and uphold the integrity of the legal system.

    CDC’s Resources:

    • Coroner and Medical Examiner Laws CDC’s Webpage: cdc.gov/phlp/php/coroner/index.html

    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
    49 mins