Centers of excellence, are defined as specialized programs within healthcare institutions which supply exceptionally high concentrations of expertise and resources. They deliver care in a comprehensive and interdisciplinary fashion. Additionally, many CoE definitions include innovation as a key component.

UCHealth Memorial’s program is a high volume, longstanding department that provides comprehensive care to all victims of violence. Over half of the FNE team members carry one or more Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certifications, this is emblematic of their commitment to excellence and professional nursing practice. Members of the FNE team present and teach at the local, state and national level and several team members have published in professional journals. The FNE team is deeply embedded in our community and have relationships with our community partners and the multidisciplinary team.

For the past decade, UCHealth Memorial’s FNE program has provided high quality, state-wide education free of charge to the entire state of Colorado. The expansion to teleSANE services reflects not only their commitment to ensuring that all patients in Colorado, regardless of location, receive the highest quality care, but is a great example of innovation. Additionally, the FNE team engages in nursing research in order to increase the body of knowledge for forensic nursing and improve patient care.

A forensic nurse provides comprehensive care to victims of violence while demonstrating competency in conducting a medical forensic exam, including evaluation for evidence collection; providing effective courtroom testimony; and showing compassion and sensitivity towards survivors of violence.

Victims of violence and abuse require care from a health professional who is trained to treat the trauma associated with the wrong that has been done to them—be it sexual assault, intimate partner violence, neglect, or other forms of intentional injury. Forensic nurses are also a critical resource for anti-violence efforts. They collect evidence and give testimony that can be used in a court of law to apprehend or prosecute perpetrators who commit  violent and abusive acts. 

A forensic nurse is a Registered or Advanced Practice Nurse who has received specific education and training. Forensic nurses provide specialized care for patients who are experiencing acute and long-term health consequences associated with victimization or violence, and/or have unmet evidentiary needs relative to having been victimized or accused of victimization. In addition, forensic nurses provide consultation and testimony for civil and criminal proceedings relative to nursing practice, care given, and opinions rendered regarding findings. Forensic nursing care is not separate and distinct from other forms of medical care, but rather integrated into the overall care needs of individual patients.