The author, a registered nurse and mystery writer (Bagels for Tea
), does an excellent job of conveying the importance of an emerging medical specialty. Because forensic nurses—described by Stevens as "law enforcement's secret weapon," with a "unique combination of medical skill, legal knowledge, and criminology"—are often first on the scene of a crime or in an emergency room, they are in a unique position to collect evidence regarding accidents, alleged sexual assault, spousal abuse and other violent incidents. Stevens details how forensic nurses are trained to preserve and interpret evidence that physicians may overlook. A sexual assault nurse examiner, for example, assists alleged rape victims with a careful physical examination, an in-depth interview and emotional support. Stevens shows how savvy FNs deal with physicians who resent forensic nurses, viewing them as encroaching on their territory (she suggests telling the doc, " 'I would love to have you do this exam... the whole six hours of interviewing... and doing the evidence collection.' See how quickly they back out"). Drawing on case histories, Stevens describes how forensic nurses are trained to remain objective, serve as legal witnesses and work with law enforcement. She also highlights the problems these skilled nurses face, such as inadequate compensation. Agent, Lettie Lee of the Ann Elmo Agency. (Sept. 20)
