Graduate Certificate of Nursing (Forensic)

Course code: 3884 + Course abbreviation: GradCertNurs(Forens) + Total credit points required: 24 + 2 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

Off-campus (Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank – P/T only)

Course description

This course, offered by the Department of Forensic Medicine, aims to assist those with an interest in pursuing professional development in the area of forensic nursing. Areas covered are: forensic knowledge and nursing responsibilities in forensic cases; clinical consultations with victims of crime and offenders; medicolegal report writing and provision of evidence in court; theoretical and cultural aspects of interpersonal violence.

Course objectives

On completion of the course, Graduates will have gained the knowledge, skills and attributes (theoretical and practical) necessary to: 1. provide a comprehensive nursing service for victims of interpersonal violence; 2. demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of the forensic and nursing responsibilities in forensic cases; 3. obtain highly developed communication skills in clinical consultations with victims of crime and offenders; 4. write medico-legal reports and provide evidence in courts on a range of clinical situations and consultations; 5. liaise effectively with associated agencies; law enforcement, criminal justice system and counselling services on issues surrounding individual cases; and 6. comprehend theoretical and cultural aspects of interpersonal violence.

Course structure

The course consists of four core units:

Semester 1

FOR5001 Sexual assault nursing I
FOR5003 Understanding injuries

Semester 2

FOR5002 Sexual assault nursing II
FOR5004 Nursing and the criminal justice system

Assessment

Assessment includes case study reports, presentations, online discussion, workbook, clinical placement/attachment.

Contact details

Ms Carole Spence, course administrator: telephone: +61 3 9684 4480; email: caroleb@vifm.org or visit www.vifm.org

Course coordinator

Dr Angela Williams

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