What is the purpose of competency-based education in forensic nursing?

The focus of competency-based education in forensic nursing is to ensure standardization in education, which sets clear expectations for what students need to know and be able to do by the end of their training. This approach helps to codify the essential skills and knowledge necessary for competent practice in forensic nursing, thereby creating a uniform foundation upon which all practitioners can build their expertise. Standardized competencies guarantee that all graduates possess the same basic level of knowledge and skills, regardless of where or how they were trained. This is particularly vital in forensic nursing, where practitioners must be prepared to meet the legal and ethical requirements of the profession, ensuring that they provide high-quality care and maintain the integrity of the judicial process. By focusing on competencies, education programs can effectively measure student progress and readiness for professional practice, ultimately leading to stronger and more reliable forensic nursing outcomes.