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Course Overview

This webinar is designed for forensic nurses and emphasizes a frequently overlooked source of crucial information: the hands and fingernails. Participants will explore why nail analysis matters, the types of trace and biological evidence that may be present under or around the nails, and how this evidence can support the overall forensic story in cases of violence and interpersonal harm. Trace evidence matters, and forensic nurses often skip or abbreviate this step. This session will reinforce why careful attention to fingernails is essential to a comprehensive forensic exam.  


During the webinar, we will review the structure of the fingernail, its protective and sensory roles, and the ways in which fingernails function as evidence carriers in clinical and forensic contexts. The presentation will also cover ethical evidence handling, with particular attention to patient dignity, trauma-informed practice, and the nurse’s professional responsibilities when collecting and safeguarding evidence. Practical guidance, case examples, and clear procedural steps will help participants integrate these concepts into their everyday practice. 


Objectives:

  • Describe the steps in maintaining chain of custody

  • State Locard’s Exchange Principle and its relevance to trace evidence

  • Explain proper fingernail evidence collection procedures

  • List four common types of biological evidence


PRESENTER(S) 

Diana Faugno is a founding board member of EVAWI and the founding president of the Academy of Forensic Nursing. She is a retired fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and a Distinguished Fellow in the Academy of Forensic Nursing. She carries numerous certifications. She works for Life Safe Resources and the Trinity Center as a Contract Forensic Nurse in Georgia. She is the Georgia State medical consultant for the CACGA. She was the recipient of the 2019 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week award given in Washington DC. Faugno is also a co-author of numerous textbooks and papers on dealing with the forensic medical aspects of violence, such as the Color Atlas of Sexual Assault, published in 1997, and another workbook coauthored and published in 2020, Domestic Violence & Non-fatal Strangulation Assessment for Health Care Providers and First Responders. The latest workbook, Forensic Nursing Principles and Practice was published in 2023. When not working, she enjoys the grandkids most of all.


Enduring Modules - This module originated on 06/10/2026 and will remain available for CE credit through 06/30/2028


Criteria for Successful Completion:

Live attendees must join the zoom link via the LMS site, be logged in for a minimum of 90% of the session, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded. 

Recordings of the live session will be made available within one week of the live date. 

Asynchronous attendees must utilize the LMS to obtain resource information (if available), view 100% of recording(s), complete all modules, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded.

No relevant financial relationships exist for any individuals in a position to control content of this educational activity.


NOTE:

The Academy of Forensic Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Pricing options

AFN Members can attend the LIVE session for free. Please select the AFN MEMBER option and enter the 100% discount code located in the AFN Member Center at: www.goafn.org/discount-codes