Clinical Forensic Nursing Service (CFNS)

 Background

The Division of Clinical Forensic Medicine provides a range of forensic services including clinical services and medical advice particularly in the investigation of crimes against the person, but also a range of other criminal offences. Forensic physicians working at VIFM provide the bulk of services, however, they are supported by a network of specifically trained doctors, usually in general practice, throughout Victoria.

Nurses have provided forensic services in Victoria in areas such as in Police and Custodial Services, forensic psychiatric services and obtaining biological samples. The success of these programs has forged new opportunities for nurses to expand their career path into other areas of clinical forensic service delivery.

Increasingly, recruitment or access to medical practitioners who can offer timely response to providing forensic services in Victoria has become difficult. This situation is mirrored across Australia and has been recognized as an issue in other countries. The VIFM is currently establishing a Forensic Nurse Examiner Network with funding from the Victorian Department of Justice. This funding available over a four-year period enables up to 30 experienced registered nurses to receive a scholarship to complete the Graduate Certificate of Nursing (Forensic) through VIFM and Monash University. The one-year distance education course offers specialist training and clinical experience for the nurses to competently provide forensic medical examinations to victims of sexual assault and other assaults. The qualified Forensic Nurse Examiners will work as a part of the larger team with Forensic Medical Officers on VIFMs on-call roster. All staff receives ongoing training and support to ensure a continuing high standard of service to Victorians. Articulation to Nurse Practitioner endorsement is being explored.

For further information visit other pages on this website or contact CFM on 9684 4480.