Canadian Forensic Nurses Association

Welcome to the official page of the Canadian Forensic Nurses Association! The association originated in 2006 by a desire to allow networking between Canadian forensic nurses and address uniquely Canadian forensic nursing issues. Join us as we work to represent all groups of forensic nurses in Canada. #forensicnurse

Today is Forensic Nurses Day and this week has been Forensic Nurses Week 2024! As always, we are in awe of the knowledge and expertise within our country. CFNA dedicates this day to all forensic nurses and their dedication and commitment to the advancement of this field and most importantly, the care that they provide to their patient population. #forensicnursing #forensicscience #nurses #fnweek2024

Recently, Canadian Forensic Nurses Association recognized Elizabeth (Beth) Ariss as a Forensic Nursing Pioneer in Canada for her decades long commitment to the care of patients accessing healthcare after experiencing sexual violence. On September 25, 2024, Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre held a recognition/tribute event for Beth as well. Placed in the Program’s Sexual Assault/Intimate Partner Violence Program (SA/IPV) suite is a plaque with Beth’s photo and her forensic nursing journey posted as a tribute to her professional work. Beth was the founder of the Manitoba Health Sciences Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program in the early 90’s. Long before that, she recognized the disparity in the timely access to healthcare for women who presented to the Emergency Department after a violence/trauma related event such as sexual assault. She vowed to make changes recognizing the urgency of providing care for those experiencing physical and emotional trauma. To say Beth accomplished changes in provision of healthcare to this special forensic population is an understatement. Along with three other emergency nurses, Beth worked along side physicians and then later, themselves to provide medical forensic sexual assault examinations for adult females. In 1992, she was one of two Canadians who attended the founding of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Beth said, “In Minneapolis, I had a fire lit in me that would not go out,” to provide those who experienced sexual assault with the best possible nursing care. Beth’s valuable input and resources were the foundation of other nurse examiner sites in Canada. Beth was also the driving force behind the construction of a separate unit for the first medical forensic examinations at Winnipeg Health Sciences Center. In 2002, Beth received the IAFN Achievement Award for her forensic nursing achievements and then in 2006, she was one of the first Canadian sexual assault nurse examiners to join the Forensic Nurse Society of Canada. In 2009, Beth also received the Winnipeg Police Department Certificate of Appreciation. CFNA honours Beth for her two decades of contribution to forensic nursing in Canada and her compassion, advocacy and commitment to changing the healthcare response to sexual violence. In the words of a current CFNA member, “without [Beth’s] perseverance to improve care for people who had experienced sexual assault, I may not have had the opportunity to participate in this very rewarding nursing specialty. She was a true patient advocate and role model of what nurses achieve by using their voice to improve patient care.” Beth was a leader by example and is truly a Canadian Forensic Nurse Pioneer. Rest in Peace, Beth. You were foundational to the healthcare response to violence and trauma. - Canadian Forensic Nurses Association #forensicnursing #forensicscience #nurses #pioneer #Leader

BCIT has the following three microcredential courses running in the new year: Normal and Abnormal Findings in Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations, Non-Fatal Strangulation, and Forensic Examination of Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries from Interpersonal Violence. See the attached posters for more information! #ad #forensicnursing #forensicscience #nurses #education #professionaldevelopment

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us to all of you! #Thanksgiving #forensicnursing #forensicscience #nurses #grateful

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to commemorate the significant history of residential schools. It is a day to remember the lives lost and the trauma that persists today. It is a day to remind ourselves to deepen our understanding of the issue and find valuable ways to take action towards reconciliation every other day of the year. To learn more, visit: https://nctr.ca/ #NationalDayForTruthAndReconciliation #truthandreconciliation #Orangeshirtday #orangeshirtday2024

Are you a student interested in forensics? Join CFNA for free: https://lnkd.in/gHYs5NQ8 #forensicnursing #forensicscience #nurses #nursingstudent #students

?? Fraser Health has released a series of videos to provide information on what to expect after a forensic exam, caring for injuries, head injury, and strangulation. They can be accessed in five different languages! Find the videos and information about services here: https://lnkd.in/gkFry7Ee #forensicnursing #forensicscience #nurses

Are you looking for professional development opportunities????? CFNA membership includes access to several webinars throughout the membership year. Webinar topics are wide-ranging and encompassing of all areas of forensic nursing! Take a look at the completed and upcoming webinars here: https://lnkd.in/g92cY8uU Not a member? Join us! To register, visit: https://lnkd.in/gHYs5NQ8 #ForensicNurse #ForensicScience #nurse #professionaldevelopment #education #association

Are you an RN in Ontario, work within a diverse forensic practice setting, and feel your role involves advocating for women experiencing violence? You may be interested in participating in this study exploring nursing advocacy with and for women who experience interpersonal violence. #ForensicNurse #advocate #nurse #research