Course Spotlight: N560 Forensic Nursing

Forensic nurse with swab sample

We took a deep dive into one of Aspen’s most popular courses.

Title of course: N560 Forensic Nursing
Programs: MSN in Forensic Nursing; RN to MSN in Forensic Nursing

Forensic nurses play the bridge between medical and legal components, attending to the needs of many victims of violence—along with those accused of crimes—and vulnerable populations. The Forensic Nursing specialty has evolved in part from society’s need to reduce and prevent interpersonal violence and criminal behavior. 

Aspen’s N560 course provides an overview of the many facets and roles within forensic nursing in both healthcare and non-traditional settings. This course builds a framework around bridging the gaps between medical/forensic information, law enforcement/investigative agencies, and the criminal justice system. Students learn how to identify, assess, evaluate, and document injuries through a forensic lens, as well as how to critically think like a forensic scientist.

Several practical projects give students an opportunity to apply concepts learned to actual forensic cases. Additionally, innovative assignments include creating and photographing a hypothetical crime scene, researching sudden death, and responding in a disaster.

In this course, you’ll find all the foundational tools needed to ignite a passion for your Forensic Nursing specialization!

Required Books

Published by the American Nurses Association, International Association of Forensic Nurses, this new edition is a must-have for both the practicing and aspiring forensic nurse and a useful resource for allied interprofessional practitioners and stakeholders. Among the topics covered: Forensic nursing’s roles and practice domains, such as sexual violence, intimate partner violence, medicolegal death investigation, and psychiatric–mental health and correctional settings; educational preparation for forensic nursing; applying the nine provisions of the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements in practice; and the wide array of forensic nursing skills.

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition, is the official source for APA Style. With millions of copies sold worldwide in multiple languages, it’s the style manual of choice for writers, researchers, editors, students, and educators in the social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, nursing, communications, education, business, engineering, and other fields. The seventh edition is an indispensable resource for students and professionals to achieve excellence in writing and make an impact with their work. 

Use our comprehensive RN to Forensic Nurse: Forensic Nursing Guide to learn all about the forensic nursing industry, or check in with some of our forensic nurse Alumni and their stories (Heather W. & Tamara N.


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