In this insightful episode, hosts Kalen and Karen go beyond signatures and forms, diving deep into the nuances, challenges, and ethical complexities of consent in forensic nursing. They are unpacking the essential principles every healthcare professional should know about the consent process through real-life experiences, terminology breakdowns, and a compelling listener question. Tune in to this episode for vital takeaways for both new and seasoned forensic nurses!

Key Episode Learnings:

• Uncover five key points about consent and why it is an ongoing, multifaceted process, not just a formality
• Discover how informed consent, assent, and capacity are central to ethical forensic nursing practice
• Capacity vs. Competency: Learn the crucial distinction between these terms within medical and legal contexts respectively
• Gain practical approaches for empowering patients, protecting their rights, and collaborating with families—especially when laws and personal wishes clash
• Explore decision-making and patient-first advocacy for vulnerable populations, including minors, the elderly, individuals under the influence, and others with impaired decision-making capacity

Registration for #IAFN2025 Omaha International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice is open! Learn more and register here before the pre- and post-workshop seats fill up: forensicnurses.org/2025conference

Episode Resources:

• Have a question or feedback for Kalen and Karen? Scroll down this page and submit your recorded question directly.

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Resources

• IAFN Online Learning Center (OLC): forensicnurses.org/page/OLCAccess/
• TeleSAFE Toolkit: Access this Step-by-Step Guide to a Trauma-Informed Program at forensicnurses.org/page/TeleSAFE/
• International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN): Learn more at forensicnurses.org
• IAFN Foundation: Support our work to spread forensic nursing at fundforensicnursing.org
• IAFN’s SAFEta Resources: Explore safeta.org
• National Tribal Clearinghouse on Sexual Assault (NTCSA): Supporting tribal communities at supportingourcircle.org

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Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Send us a voice message on our website at forensicnurses.org/podcast/ Let’s make this podcast a resource tailored to YOU!

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