Authors

  1. Peternelj-Taylor, Cindy RN, BScN, MSc, DF-IAFN

Article Content

As I write this editorial, I have just returned from the 2022 International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science and Practice that was held in Dallas, Texas, from September 28 to October 1. It was particularly energizing to attend the conference in person this year and celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the International Association of Forensic Nurses. I had the opportunity to reminisce with colleagues I have known for years, and I had the occasion to meet with many first-time attendees. A highlight for many (including me) was to connect once again with Virginia Lynch, often referred to as the Mother of Forensic Nursing, who graced the conference by her attendance.

 

Putting this final issue of 2022 together was especially rewarding, given the quality and diversity of articles representing forensic nursing from across the United States, Canada, and Australia. The articles featured address telehealth, HIV postexposure prophylaxis, persons living with HIV in carceral environments, historical context of custodial health nursing, correctional nursing work environments, child sexual abuse and suicide, interprofessional collaboration in trauma-informed pediatrics, and the benefits of DNA collection beyond 24 hours in pediatrics. This issue also features two Letters to the Editor that showcase contemporary issues facing forensic nursing: the need for advance practice registered nurses in medicolegal death investigations and intimate examinations without consent. The issue wraps up with an Association Paper that addresses the International Association of Forensic Nurses' position on virginity testing.

 

I also would like to remind readers that articles that have been accepted for publication are published ahead of print before being assigned to an issue, once the proof pages have been approved. As a quarterly peer-reviewed journal, being able to publish articles ahead of print gets the latest publications out to readers in a timely fashion, rather than waiting for assignment to an issue. All articles published ahead of print are published with a digital object identifier, are searchable, and can be cited. So, when scanning the latest issue of the Journal of Forensic Nursing through online member access, the journal's website, or library access, be sure to take note of the variety of articles that will be featured in upcoming issues of the journal.

 

Readers will also note that we are publishing more open access articles, whereby authors pay an article publishing charge, which allows them to comply with their funding mandates by offering their articles as open access. This option is available after acceptance and does not influence what will be accepted by virtue of the authors paying the article publishing fee. Open access articles are particularly appreciated by forensic nurses throughout the world, who may not have access to the Journal of Forensic Nursing via membership, personal subscription, or library access.

 

Some Things to Look Forward to in 2023

First off, I am pleased to note that we have been approved for 40 additional pages (20 print pages and 20 online-only pages) per year beginning in 2023. Depending on the length of accepted articles, this translates into 5-10 additional articles over the course of the year. I am also looking forward to the special issue of the journal edited by Dr. Candace Burton and Dr. Jessica Draughon Moret, devoted to health disparity and health equity in forensic nursing, that will be published in 2023. While on the topic of special issues, please stay tuned for a Call for Abstracts for the next special issue addressing campus sexual assaults edited by Dr. Donna Scott Tilley, who will be the lead guest editor on this special issue that will be published in 2024.

 

In closing, we are working diligently to ensure that the journal is relevant to nurse clinicians, educators, administrators, researchers, and policy makers across the breadth of forensic nursing. We would appreciate hearing from you. If you have questions about publishing in the journal, we have answers. If you have suggestions for particular topics you would like to see featured in the journal, please let us know. If you presented at the conference in Dallas, consider turning your presentation into a manuscript for review. If you are interested in being a peer reviewer, please reach out to us and let us know. The year 2023 represents the Journal of Forensic Nursing's 19th year in publication, something that could not have been accomplished without the excellent work that forensic nurses are engaged in globally, and for that, I say thank you.