ANDERSON — Forensic nursing became a recognized specialization in 1995, when the American Nurses Association saw the need, according to forensic nursing pioneer Cari Caruso.
Since then, the specialization has taken off, improving how trace evidence is retrieved from patients.
“What used to be common practices just aren’t necessary anymore,” said Caruso, charter member of the International Association for Forensic Nurses.
Caruso said she got in on the ground floor of forensic nursing in 1993. Along the way, she said, evidence collection has become more sophisticated and sensible.
“Plucking pubic hairs used to be the norm,” she said of an old practice that nurses used to get the patient’s DNA. “Along the way, we learned better ways.”
Holly Renz, head forensic nurse at the Madison County Treatment Center, said most trace evidence after a sexual assault is found in the mouth or cervix – the vaginal opening.
She said exams include swabbing the mouth and vaginal area and flossing the patient’s teeth.
“DNA retrieval just keeps getting more and more sophisticated the more and more we go,” she said.
Caruso said she tailors each exam to the individual patient.
“I’m looking for normal,” she said. “Anything that’s outside of normal or the normal variants will be documented,” she said.
DNA is not the only evidence that forensic nurses look for; they also look for abnormalities in the integrity of the skin.
“Times have changed with the science,” Caruso said. “It used to be that people would say ‘I wasn’t there; I didn’t touch her.’ Now, it’s more, ‘I was there; it was consensual.’”
Renz said community knowledge of how to preserve possible evidence has also increased over the years.
“I am encouraged that young girls and woman know what to do after a sexual assault,” she said.
Contact Christina M. Wright, 640-4883, christina.wright@heraldbulletin.com.
Cops, courts and fires
Assault: Evidence collection improving with time
- Cops, courts and fires
-
-
Arrest Log: Feb. 12
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Friday and Saturday, based on Madison County Jail records. Charges are recommended by arresting officers but are not final until the Madison County prosecutor reviews the case and files official charges.
-
Indiana judge dismisses charges against ex-Pitt coach
An Indiana judge has dismissed a domestic battery charge against former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Michael Haywood, who served briefly as Pittsburgh's head football coach before the case led to his firing.
-
Man sentenced to 40 years for sex with teen
A man convicted of having a sexual relationship with a minor was sentenced Monday to 40 years in prison.
-
Brother allegedly stabs brother in Elwood
Another brother-on-brother stabbing occurred in Elwood Thursday, according to Elwood Police Department Chief Sam Hanna.
-
Arrest log: Feb. 11
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Wednesday through Friday, based on jail records.
-
Police: Man stabbed by brother
Police responded to the report of a stabbing early Thursday morning.
-
Arrest log: Feb. 9
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Wednesday and Thursday, based on Madison County Jail records. Charges are recommended by arresting officers, but are not final until the Madison County Prosecutor reviews the case and files official charges.
-
Police report human remains in Grant County
Human remains were uncovered by police Thursday morning in Grant County.
-
Anderson bank robbery case turned over to FBI
An investigation into the robbery of an Anderson bank Tuesday was officially turned over to the FBI on Wednesday.
-
Police: Woman set house fire, blocked exit
Police arrested a woman late Tuesday night in connection with a Saturday home fire.
- More Cops, courts and fires Headlines
-
Arrest Log: Feb. 12
