Integrating Forensic Nursing into the Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum: A Solution for a Disconnect

Abstract

Violence occurring in the home and community, and its resultant negative effects on public health, is of critical concern to health care professionals. The aim of this article is to underscore the importance of the role of nurse educators in preventing and reducing the consequences of domestic violence and abuse. A viable solution for the disconnect that exists between violence reduction strategies and their effective implementation is proposed, including an integration of forensic nursing concepts and skills into the undergraduate nursing curriculum. Doing so will enable nurse educators to prepare practitioners who can help break the cycle of violence and close the gap that exists in health care delivery for individuals affected by violence. Related issues and challenges are presented, including the need to prepare culturally competent health care professionals, to examine and revise overloaded curricula on the basis of empirical research and societal trends, and to address faculty competence.