The assessment and exploration of forensic nursing concepts in undergraduate nursing curricula: a mixed-methods study

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the importance and explore the inclusion of forensic nursing concepts in undergraduate nursing curricula. Methods This study used a mixed method design to survey undergraduate nurse educators (n=1,000) across the United States. Utilizing a convergent parallel design, data were analyzed independently, sequentially, and combined to synthesize the results and cultivate the overall conceptualization of the findings. Results Significant differences were found about the importance and the integration of forensic concepts in the curricula based on the faculty member’s teaching area and area of clinical practice. Triangulation of data determined faculty valued their role of improving holistic care to victims of violence. However, time, curriculum rigidity, and lack of forensic concept knowledge hindered the inclusion of forensic nursing concepts in curricula. Conclusions Findings from this study support the recommendation for faculty development, community collaboration, and utilizing teaching modalities to integrate forensic nursing concepts into undergraduate curricula.