The forensic nurse practitioner role (emergency nursing)--potential response to changing health needs in New Zealand

There is little existing policy related to Forensic Evidence collection in the Emergency Department environment within New Zealand (NZ). A case study based on the Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department (ChCh ED) environment is presented, which outlines the need to develop a specialised nursing role, that of Forensic Nurse Practitioner (emergency care). The role of nursing input in the field of Forensic Medicine in NZ is essentially limited to the psychiatric focus. While roles such as those of the Forensic Psychiatric Nurse are relatively well established, there is an apparent absence of other 'forensic' functions, in particular those related to victims or perpetrators of crime. It is an accepted feature of emergency care that serious injuries and deaths do occur despite intervention. In addition, there are significant numbers of patients who present as a result of assault or in suspicious circumstances. Awareness of the importance of forensic evidence collection, appropriate storage and disposal of material is growing. Legal implications have significance for nurses, in particular with the movement towards Advanced Nursing Practice with its focus on increasing autonomy, accountability and independent practice. In order to achieve holistic healthcare and to provide appropriate and effective interventions, forensic emergency nursing skills need to be developed.