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Hello,


Thank you for taking part in the Certified Forensic Nurse, CFN, job task analysis survey. The CFN examination is administered through the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute, and your participation in this survey will assist ACFEI in developing a high-quality, internationally-accredited certification.

The purpose of this survey is to gather quantitative data on what job tasks and skills are most important. You will be presented with a list of tasks and skills involved in the profession of a Forensic Nurse, sorted into domains, and you will be asked to provide a rating of how important/critical you think each one is, and the amount of time you spend on each. Tasks which have higher ratings deserve more weight on the exam.

The CFN credential is designed to assess the proficiency of nurses practicing forensic nursing in both criminal and noncriminal legal cases. This certification promotes the expertise, professional standards of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute and recognizes Registered Nurses who have met the certification criteria by demonstrating knowledge and promoting advancement of the forensic nursing process. The process incorporates the nursing process of assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes/ planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Thank you very much for your time and support. Please start with the survey now by clicking on the Continue button below.
 
 
 
Please answer the following questions pertaining to demographics.
 
 
 
Please indicate gender.
 
Male
 
Female
 
I prefer not to share this information
 
 
 
Please indicate your age.
 
30 or under
 
31-40
 
41-50
 
51-60
 
61-70
 
71 or older
 
I prefer not to share this information
 
 
 
Please indicate your race/ethnicity. (Select all that apply)
 
African-American
 
Asian-American
 
Caucasian
 
Hispanic
 
Latino/Latina
 
Mexican
 
Native American/American Indian/Alaska Native
 
Pacific Islander
 
I prefer not to share this information
 
Other (please specify)

 
 
 
Please indicate the region that represents where you currently reside.
 
Region 1: MA, NH, VT,RI, CT, MA
 
Region 2: NY, NJ, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
 
Region 3: DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV
 
Region 4: AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN
 
Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
 
Region 6: AR, LA, NM, OK, TX
 
Region 7: MO, IA, KS, NE
 
Region 8: MT, ND, SD, WY, UT, CO
 
Region 9: CA, NV, AZ, HI
 
Region 10: OR, ID, WA
 
Other (please specify)
 
 
 
Please indicate the number of years of experience you have in forensic nursing.
 
Less than a year
 
1-5 years
 
6-10 years
 
11-20 years
 
21-30 years
 
30+ years
 
 
 
Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.
 
Some High School (have not attained a high school diploma or GED)
 
GED
 
High School Diploma
 
Some College (have not attained a college degree
 
Associate’s Degree(s)
 
Bachelor’s Degree(s)
 
Some Graduate School (have not attained a master’s degree)
 
Graduate Certificate(s)
 
Master’s Degree(s)
 
Graduate Study beyond Master’s (have not attained a doctoral degree)
 
Doctoral Degree(s)
 
Other (please specify)
 
 
 
Please select which of the certificates you currently hold. Select all that apply.
 
Certified Forensic Consultant (CFC)
 
Certified Forensic Nurse (CFN)
 
None
 
Other (please specify)

 
 
 
Please indicate the avenue from which you have received the majority of your forensic nursing-related training.
 
College or University (attending physically and/or online)
 
Government
 
Military
 
On the Job Training (attending physically and/or online)
 
Seminars/Conferences/Webinars
 
Other (please specify)
 
 
 
For which setting do you currently perform the majority of your forensic nursing-related duties?
 
State Trial Courts (Municipal, County, District, Circuit, or Superior Courts)
 
U.S. Federal District Courts
 
U.S. Court of International Trade
 
U.S. Claims Court
 
Other (please specify)
 
 
 
Please rate the importance of and time spent on the following tasks related to assessment.
 
 
 
ImportanceTime Spent
None Moderate High
0 hrs/wk 2-4 hrs/wk 10+ hrs/wk
1234512345
Utilizes a head to toe assessment with detailed genital assessment including diagrams, photographs, and collection of forensic evidence
Utilizes the nursing process of assessment, nursing diagnosis, implementation and evaluation as it relates to a forensic case
Assesses patients' clinical needs against established guidelines and/or standards to ensure the level of care is medically appropriate
Recognizes and discusses the major sources of forensic injury
Performs a complete, non-biased forensic assessment of patients reporting an abusive event
Performs and documents thorough examination/assessment
Obtains detailed history from patient and/or caregiver
Utilizes knowledge of normal child growth and development in the evaluation of victims of child abuse and sexual assault
Accepts responsibility in providing appropriate medical screening examination prior to transferring patient to another facility
Appraises member of the treatment team in the appropriate order of procedures to be completed
Delegate nursing procedures to appropriate staff with known and tested levels of competency
Schedule adequate numbers of staff to ensure high quality of forensic medical exams
Identifies possible injuries, marks, discoloration, and other physical sign noted during a physical exam
Organizes method of exam to provide consistent medical forensic exam with each patient
Prepares work area to ensure that each examination is conducted in a timely and consistent manner
Ascertains a comprehensive history of the events leading up to and during the crime
Acquires necessary consents prior to beginning a medical forensic exam
Advises a living patient of their rights regarding the examination and collection of forensic evidence from their body
Administers medications and treatments following the established protocol and orders of the treating physician or by protocol established by your facility
Maintains patient dignity during a forensic medical examination
Use techniques that are vetted by the profession
Provides comprehensive care to victims of crime
Improves quality care by asking for patient feedback
Recognizes the anxiety and apprehension of patients and/or family members and ensures that an advocate is offered and available as needed
Creates an environment that is quiet, safe, private and patient friendly
Disposes of biohazard materials not taken into evidence in an appropriate manner
Inspects patients' bodies for any signs of injury, material, biological substances, or other marks
 
 
 
Please rate the importance of and time spent on the following tasks related to evidence collection.
 
 
 
ImportanceTime Spent
None Moderate High
0 hrs/wk 2-4 hrs/wk 10+ hrs/wk
1234512345
Ensures the Chain of Custody in obtaining and transportation of medical evidence
Demonstrates understanding of basic principles of evidence collections
Demonstrates understanding of basic principles of chain of custody
Handles evidence collected in the Emergency Room in a proper manner to maintain chain of custody
Identifies and collects potential evidence
Conducts collection and preservation of evidence that is free from contamination and degradation
Identifies appropriate, novel, and reliable sources of DNA when conventional sources are not available
Secures physical evidence obtained during forensic nursing exam in accordance with legal guidelines
Collects evidence from living persons with their consent as part of a comprehensive forensic medical exam
collects physical evidence from non-living persons and objects as part of a comprehensive forensic medical investigation
Establishes written protocols for collection of evidence from living and non-living individuals
Establishes written protocols for conducting a medical forensic examination on living and non-living persons
Implements best practice method of collecting evidence
Generates reports consistent with state and/or federal evidence collection protocol
Assist peers and investigators in collecting forensic evidence at a crime scene
Operate, per procedure, a forensic digital camera
Operate, per procedure, an alternative light source
Expedites transport of collected evidence from medical facility to law enforcement
 
 
 
Please rate the importance of and time spent on the following tasks related to working with multidisciplinary teams.
 
 
 
ImportanceTime Spent
NoneModerateHigh
0 hrs/week2-4 hrs/week10+ hrs/week
1234512345
Interacts and communicates with multidisciplinary teams
Collaborates with an attending physician/nurse practitioner to administer medications according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for victims of violence needing STI, and emergency pregnancy prevention medications
Effectively collaborates with other healthcare providers
Effectively collaborates with law enforcement, child protective services, and other community affiliates
Consults the multidisciplinary team and appropriate statute in decision making regarding evidence collection in an unconscious patient
Drafts memos, reports in a timely manner for other team members to have an opportunity to review, edit, or proof read before dissemination
Collaborates with healthcare team members in collection of evidence
Collaborates with law enforcement as it relates to forensic nursing exams and consults
Interacts with various members of the response team to ensure all information is shared
 
 
 
Please rate the importance of and time spent on the following tasks related to legal aspects of forensic nursing.
 
 
 
ImportanceTime Spent
NoneModerateHigh
0 hrs/week2-4 hrs/week10+ hrs/week
1234512345
Reviews and analyzes medical, accident, and investigative reports
Analyzes billing statements for appropriateness and regional costs associated with medical treatment and plan of care
Develops future medical cost projections for attorneys and insurance companies
Prepares medical reports for attorney and other staff as it relates to injury or illness
Obtains, organizes and analyzes medical, accident, autopsy and investigative reports for plaintiff or defense
Identifies and requests missing aspects of the medical and other records
Assists the lawyer with drafting medical-legal pleadings, subpoenas, etc.
Researches medical based evidence for causation for damages and liability
Assist with witness interview statements
Prepares medical chronologies /timelines for deposition and trial
Researches and collaborates with witnesses: fact, lay, and expert
Schedules and prepares notices for defense medical examinations
Attends medical defense examinations
Develops catastrophic life care plans for chronic illnesses or injuries
Educates the legal team on whether the physical evidence is consistent with the time and history given in the presence of co-mortifies
Updates information as case develops and assess the case issues
Prepares case records for deposition and/or trial
Researches experts as to credentials, disciplinary actions, written medical literature (pro/con)and opinions to support or refute case issues
Recognizes the legal implications as it pertains to violence
Collaborates with local, state, federal agencies during the discovery process
Facilitates utilization review associated with insurance reimbursement, liability, Federal and State regulatory processes
Analyzes correspondence regarding denials from commercial insurances, Medicare, Medicaid on acute care inpatient services
Drafts correspondence to commercial insurances, Medicare, Medicaid justifying the medical necessity or intensity of services for acute care inpatient services
Collaborates with multiple departments for resources on justification for rebuttal of insurance denial
Evaluates each medical claim for potential conflicts under the False Claims Act
Performs medical chart audits to assess for compliance for State Dept of Health regulations, National Committee for quality assurance, (NCQA), HEDIS and CMS Medicare Advantage programs
Maintains confidentiality in materials provided for review
Provides competent testimony in court proceedings
Produces court worthy reports/documentation of assessment findings
Compares the elements of negligence with the standard by which each element is met in analyzing a tort claim
Adheres to State and Federal laws regulating medical forensic exams on living persons
Adheres to State and Federal law regulating evidence control and chain of custody
Adheres to state and federal laws regulating healthcare
Adheres to state and Federal laws affecting victims' rights
Assigns duties to other forensic team members that is commensurate with their training, skills, and abilities
Demonstrates competence, education, and training during testimony trial
Responds to requests by the District and County Attorney
 
 
 
Please rate the importance of and time spent on the following tasks related to utilizing appropriate resources.
 
 
 
ImportanceTime Spent
NoneModerateHigh
0 hrs/week2-4 hrs/week10+ hrs/week
1234512345
Expresses knowledge about resource texts for added information
Recommends resources for inquiries on specific topics
Peruses answers using creditable resources
Seeks out research articles to support /dispute findings
Trains and supervises new employees
Acquires evidence-based studies supporting a change in policy or procedure in evidence collection
Appropriates all the necessary equipment and supplies necessary to examine and document finding following a crime
 
 
 
Please rate the importance of and time spent on the following tasks related to continuing education.
 
 
 
ImportanceTime Spent
NoneModerateHigh
0 hrs/week2-4 hrs/week10+ hrs/week
1234512345
Recognizes the difference between testimonial, physical, and scientific evidence
Maintains continuing education relevant to practice area for recertification
Attends continuing education classes/courses to maintain sound knowledge base
Advance the science of forensic nursing by disseminating that science, and responding to practice issues of this nursing specialty
Demonstrates commitment to ongoing education and applies new information and skills in practice
Actively participates in education for other healthcare professionals
Contribute to the forensic nursing community by thoughtful submissions of research findings in professional journals
Accepts the role of a forensic nurse examiner
Encourages ongoing educational opportunities for staff and peers
Monitors forensic nursing practice and seeks areas of improvement
Promotes the practice of forensic nursing by participating in forensic nursing conferences
Fosters an environment of shared learning through regular staff meetings
Attends forensic conferences to aid in advancing skills and education
Maintains certification to ensure on-going competency
Evaluates staff annually to ensure competency
 
 
 
Please rate the importance of and time spent on the following tasks related to community outreach and networking.
 
 
 
ImportanceTime Spent
NoneModerateHigh
0 hrs/week2-4 hrs/week10+ hrs/week
1234512345
Educates and provides community awareness
Seeks out experts in the field of forensic nursing to query
Establishes a reliable network of forensic partners with whom she/he can call on
Participates in the education of peers on the principles and uses that forensic nursing has to offer in a variety of nursing settings
Promotes the value of various avenues in forensic nursing practice
Participates in community response teams (i.e. SART, Multidisciplinary teams, Domestic Violence Response Team (DART),and Fatality Team
Represents the forensic nursing programs at community meetings
Consults with other experts in the field to provide highest level of service
 
 
 
Please rate the importance of and time spent on the following tasks related to documentation.
 
 
 
ImportanceTime Spent
NoneModerateHigh
0 hrs/week2-4 hrs/week10+ hrs/week
1234512345
Facilitates comprehensive documentation
Educates case managers on documentation required for reconsideration to obtain approval based on Milliman and Interqual guidelines of inpatient care
Transcribes accurately and with unbiased objectivity
Prepares a forensic report based on the facts in medical records, forensic records, and other
Compiles a chronology of events
Discusses proper documentation pitfalls
Performs quality photo/written documentation of injuries
Produces well developed and properly demarcated photographs of injuries
Submits accurate and well edited reports and memoranda
Ensures audits on a routine basis of all documentation, both written and digital, to insure high quality is maintained according to policy
Participates in periodic peer review of documentation thus contributing to professional standards
Records all physical finding using approved medical forensic documentation
Compiles clear and concise reports consistent with policy and procedure
 
 
 
Please rate the importance of and time spent on the following tasks related to critical thinking.
 
 
 
ImportanceTime Spent
NoneModerateHigh
0 hrs/week2-4 hrs/week10+ hrs/week
1234512345
Develops procedures to streamline processes to expedite appeals for denied cases
Evaluates necessity, appropriateness and efficiency of medical services/procedures provided
Participates in retrospective utilization review process
Stimulates critical thinking in peers regarding forensic nursing
Communicates understanding of Locard's Principle
Distinguishes the difference between various types of injuries (blunt force, sharp force, pattern etc
Researches more in-depth questions without prompting
Formulates theories as to the cause and effect of injuries
Methodically dissects and comprehends content of medical records
Accurately interprets results of a medical evaluation/assessment
Demonstrates the ability to plan, prioritize, and accomplish tasks in a timely manner
Investigates all complaints/comments voiced about the forensic nursing program and addresses as needed
Resolves conflict within the forensic team by utilizing both formal and informal resolution methods
 
 
 
Please rate the importance of and time spent on the following tasks related to general forensic knowledge.
 
 
 
ImportanceTime Spent
NoneModerateHigh
0 hrs/week2-4 hrs/week10+ hrs/week
1234512345
Recognizes primary, secondary cause, manner, and mechanism of death
Discuss the major sources of forensic injuries
Participates actively in the specialty of forensic nursing, while using concepts, principles, and….
Improves his/her practice in forensic nursing on a daily basis by the following: reads journal articles, engages in discussion with peers and forensic cohorts, attends and presents at professional conferences in the field of forensic science & forensic nursing
Is able to discuss the difference between trace, physical, and biological evidence
Obtains and maintains certification in the field of forensic nursing
Compare the role of victim advocate and patient advocate
Comprehends the term cultural competency
Demonstrates culturally competent interactions with patients and families
Prioritize each step in task completion based on patient needs
Utilizes skills, education, and training provided by ACFEI certificate programs
Submits written reports in a timely manner
Exercises time management skills
Plans regular cleaning of equipment and uses cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer for each item
Arranges schedules to maintain coverage of on-call staff
Prevents cross contamination by frequently changing gloves
Applies learned skills and adapts to the needs of the patient during a medical forensic examination
Help other nurses understand their findings (peer review)
Handles forensic evidence in accordance with state and federal laws
Reports all unsatisfactory findings to a supervisor
Helps to train new staff and provides mentorship relationship
Researches new products prior to implementation
Supports policies and procedures set by the institution; review annually for new updates in procedures/equipment protocols
Performs duties of a forensic examiner
Coordinates care from hospital staff to forensic staff
Delegates duties to others in accordance to state nursing practice ensuring that patient care is not compromised
 
 
 
Please rate the importance of and time spent on the following tasks related to ethics and professionalism.
 
 
 
ImportanceTime Spent
NoneModerateHigh
0 hrs/week2-4 hrs/week10+ hrs/week
1234512345
Follows the standards of practice, ethics, and association policies
Follows policy and procedure for obtaining consents under HIPPA
Performs assigned duties with respect and dignity to the patient either living or deceased
Complies with Joint Commission standards
Adheres to the State Board of Nursing’s' standard of practice
Demonstrates autonomy in nursing care
Acts in a professional manner with all patients, clients, and opposing council
Recognizes areas of weakness
Promotes best care for the patient
Ensures that the patients' needs are met and protects the rights of the patient
Conforms to policy and procedure of your institution
Adheres to policy and procedure in seeking informed consent prior to collecting evidence
Reports to appropriate authorities when child or elder abuse is observed during the process of physical assessment
Represents his/herself and forensic nursing with professionalism
Assists in performance/peer reviews of self and staff members
Prepares and update a curriculum vitae (CV)
Gains the respect and confidence of patients and families in performing patient centered forensic exam
Conducts self in professional manner at all times
 
 
 
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