The suspiciousness factor: critical care nursing and forensics

Abstract

This conceptual article provides a guide for understanding the place of forensic nursing within the discipline of nursing. Ways of knowing in nursing and expert nursing practice are described to identify the role of intuition in nursing practice. The relationship between suspicion and intuition is explored. Strategies for developing forensic nursing expertise and increasing suspicion are described. Suspicion (intuition) is presented as a rapid, acquired, patient oriented perception that leads to decisive action.