forensic nurse - Editor's Letter

With this issue we introduce a new, easier-to-read format of forensic nurse. As busy nursing professionals, you need information in a streamlined fashion that gets you in and out of articles so that you can quickly apply on the job what you’ve read and absorbed in our publication. As a member of the forensic science community, you want material that keeps you ahead of the learning curve in this dynamic, ever-evolving discipline.

forensic nurse’s fresh format is more concise and readable than ever. It represents a better concentration of content and a more focused approach to presenting contributors’ material. We still retain all of the features you love most about forensic nurse — timely, topical, professional articles written by your peers and colleagues, the latest news about legislative issues, the strong championing of the profession without bias and a fierce desire to advance the frontiers of forensic nursing. While the packaging may have changed, the content hasn’t, and neither has the passion and heartfelt dedication we feel about forensic nursing and the people who make it all happen.

And speaking of movers and shakers, it’s been gratifying to see a slow increase of coverage on forensic nursing in the mainstream media. Forensic nursing has even reached popular culture. "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" was kind enough to include a brief scene where a criminalist consulted with a sexual assault nurse examiner. While it was a tiny detour from the main plot, it was a distinct nod in the direction of forensic nurses everywhere. The general public and other healthcare practitioners are learning about who you are as forensic nurses and what you can offer to the worlds of science, medicine, nursing and law. Said one forensic nursing educator who was interviewed in a large-circulation daily newspaper recently, "Forensic nursing is a whole new field. Nurses can pretty much write their own ticket for what they can offer employers."

As you decide what kind of ticket you are going to write for your future, we’re excited to bring you the thoughts, ideas and experiences of forensic nurses and forensic science professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and help grow the discipline.

Here’s to advancing the frontiers of forensic nursing!