About Us

Forensic nursing is specialized nursing care that bridges healthcare and the legal system. Care is provided throughout the lifespan across diverse practice settings. Nurses provide comprehensive, trauma and evidence-informed culturally safe care that supports patients who have experienced violence and trauma. Forensic nurses support inter-professional collaboration to understand the health effects and effective interventions for this population. 
The CFNA traces its roots back to 2006 when approximately 70 forensic nurses, primarily Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, convened at the Vancouver International Association of Forensic Nurses conference. Recognizing the need for a Canadian-specific forensic nursing organization, two forensic nurses from BC, along with a forensic nurse and social worker from Alberta, co-founded the Forensic Nurses Society of Canada at Mount Royal College, Alberta.

In 2016, the organization rebranded to the Canadian Forensic Nurses Association (CFNA). Today, the CFNA boasts over 147 members, primarily from British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta, including Sexual Assault Nurses, Coroners, and Educators. Governed by seven elected volunteer executive officers, the association focuses on advancing forensic nursing standards and participating in national conversations on issues like violence, trauma, abuse, neglect, and death investigations.

The association has seen steady growth, with membership peaking around 175 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable milestones include the launch of a website in the mid-2000s, the formation of a Standards Committee four years ago, and ongoing work with the Canadian Nurses Association on specialty status. The CFNA has also published its first position statement in 2020 and contributed to Canadian Nurse magazine with an article on forensic nursing in 2015.

Strategic Plan 2025 - 2028

Commitment

Promotion of the role of the Forensic Nurse with
clarification of the varied specialties in forensic nursing.

Develop and implement a membership plan that includes year round membership with automatic renewals.
Increase membership of all specialties of forensic nursing.

Advocate for recognition of Forensic Nursing as a specialty within Canada.

Collaboration

Advocate for FN practice that is fair, inclusive and equitable.

Timely & informative social media and website content that continues to engage the forensic health science community.

Build partnerships with decision-makers and policy-makers to effect change beyond our organization.

Complete and promote the sexual assault guidelines.

Build collaborative & mutually beneficial relationships with like-minded organizations and not-for-profit groups.

Education

Provide opportunities for presentations by varied speakers on current topics, in-person and via webinar.

Support research to promote evidence informed practice.

Leadership

Develop position statements and recommendation reports.

Support forensic nursing to influence health policy.

Supporting committees to take initiative, drive innovation and advocating for best practice.

Board of Directors

President
Liz Louden
MSFN, BN, RN, SANE-A
President@canadianforensicnurse.org
Secretary
Cybele Angel
PhD RN CPMHN(C)
Secretary@canadianforensicnurse.org
Treasurer
Aileen Holland
RN, ENC(C)
Treasurer@canadianforensicnurse.org


Membership Coordinator
Pamela Reyes
RN, MSN, CPMHN(C), SANE-A
Membership@canadianforensicnurse.org
Education Coordinator
Kathleen Nicholson
MSN BSN RN ENC(C) SANE-A SANE-P
Education@canadianforensicnurse.org


CFNA Contract Support

Projects Coordinator
Sheila Dawn Early projects@canadianforensicnurse.org 
Communications Coordinator
Hadiya Huijer
communications@canadianforensicnurse.org
Webmaster
Chloe Hunt 
webmaster@canadianforensicnurse.org
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