ENFERMAGEM FORENSE: UMA ESPECIALIDADE A CONHECER

The aim is to state how the practice of forensic nursing occurs in the United States of America. This specialty is widely discussed among north american nurses, but it is less known among brazilian nurses. Forensic Nursing practice occurs in various places, from hospitals to justice tribunals, in hospital services and or in the community. It contributes with health services Ethical Committees, with educational activities to individuals or groups in risk behaviors (drugs or alcohol abuse) and organizing campaigns against violence. Once there is an emphasis in the preventive education, nurses could act in highlights when comparing to other involved professionals, specially regarding the practice with the victim, as the responsible to take detailed exams and gathering contamination evidences, which are fundamental to the forensic investigation. Forensic nurses’ practice enables the bonding with the victims and establish trust relationships among the ones who work in the justice field, fostering collaboration with the forensic examination.