ENA Steps in to Lead Forensic Nursing as IAFN Transfers Legacy Programs
In a significant step towards ensuring the ongoing vitality of the forensic nursing specialty, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has announced a formal program transfer from the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). This strategic move, revealed on March 9, 2026, sets ENA as the new steward of IAFN’s membership, continuing education courses, and essential practice resources. This transition is anticipated to not only preserve the professional community built over decades but also to enhance educational pathways vital for forensic and emergency nurses alike.
The collaboration symbolizes a monumental juncture for both organizations and signifies a commitment to patient safety, care access, and the elevation of specialized nursing practice. Bridget Walsh, ENA’s Interim Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, expressed immense pride in this historic opportunity, emphasizing the obligation to uphold the mission that IAFN has pursued for nearly thirty years. "It is a tremendous privilege and responsibility to carry on IAFN's legacy. We intend to do this by welcoming IAFN members into our community," she stated.
The transition involved a meticulous evaluation process by IAFN’s leadership, which scrutinized multiple organizations for their alignment in values, organizational capability, and dedication to maintaining the core mission of forensic nursing. Consequently, ENA emerged as the clear contender, with its own mission intricately linked to providing premier emergency care, which often intersects with forensic nursing practices.
Forensic nurses frequently find themselves at the intersection of emergency care and trauma-informed practices, assisting survivors of violence, abuse, and neglect. ENA’s expansive infrastructure, advocacy potential, and educational resources present an optimal environment for the IAFN programs and community to flourish.
Karin Wickwire, President of IAFN, underscored the significance of this transition through personal reflection, noting her journey beginning in the emergency department and her current practice as both an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and a forensic nurse. She conveyed confidence that the alliance with ENA would not only preserve forensic nursing’s integrity but also enhance the profession as a whole, ensuring patients receive the trauma-informed care they rightfully deserve.
Under the terms of the transfer agreement, IAFN will be entrusting all rights, titles, and interests in its programs' foundational assets to ENA. This encompasses membership, with current IAFN members transitioning to ENA membership status and gaining access to a complete suite of member benefits. Additionally, ENA will inherit IAFN’s extensive educational catalog, incorporating all programs, courses, webinars, and various educational materials. This transfer fortifies the ongoing contributions of IAFN toward advancing forensic nursing education and practice.
Jennifer Pierce-Weeks, CEO of IAFN, reaffirmed the value of having a strong community of practice, emphasizing the importance of collaborative work in maintaining the ethical core of nursing while providing a solid platform for growth within the forensic nursing specialty. The alignment of values between ENA and IAFN guided this decision, as both organizations are dedicated to the care of vulnerable patients.
This new chapter represents the evolution of a long-standing partnership between ENA and IAFN, two entities fully committed to supporting nurses who dedicate their careers to providing care in some of the most challenging situations. As Dustin Bass, ENA President, noted, both emergency and forensic nurses are united in their calling to provide compassionate care during their patients’ darkest hours.
As ENA navigates this transition, it remains dedicated to working in collaboration with IAFN leaders to honor and uphold the identity and expertise that underscore the forensic nursing profession. The goal is to augment the shared practice, encourage teamwork, and ultimately improve care in emergency departments and beyond. In a realm where collaboration is key, this alliance promises to enhance the overall landscape of nursing care, ensuring that all patients receive the high-level, trauma-informed support they need and deserve.
For additional information on the Emergency Nurses Association and its initiatives, please visit their website at www.ena.org. This transfer is a pivotal moment for the future of forensic nursing and stands as a testament to the dedication of both organizations in championing patient safety and care access in diverse nursing fields.
The collaboration symbolizes a monumental juncture for both organizations and signifies a commitment to patient safety, care access, and the elevation of specialized nursing practice. Bridget Walsh, ENA’s Interim Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, expressed immense pride in this historic opportunity, emphasizing the obligation to uphold the mission that IAFN has pursued for nearly thirty years. "It is a tremendous privilege and responsibility to carry on IAFN's legacy. We intend to do this by welcoming IAFN members into our community," she stated.
The transition involved a meticulous evaluation process by IAFN’s leadership, which scrutinized multiple organizations for their alignment in values, organizational capability, and dedication to maintaining the core mission of forensic nursing. Consequently, ENA emerged as the clear contender, with its own mission intricately linked to providing premier emergency care, which often intersects with forensic nursing practices.
Forensic nurses frequently find themselves at the intersection of emergency care and trauma-informed practices, assisting survivors of violence, abuse, and neglect. ENA’s expansive infrastructure, advocacy potential, and educational resources present an optimal environment for the IAFN programs and community to flourish.
Karin Wickwire, President of IAFN, underscored the significance of this transition through personal reflection, noting her journey beginning in the emergency department and her current practice as both an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and a forensic nurse. She conveyed confidence that the alliance with ENA would not only preserve forensic nursing’s integrity but also enhance the profession as a whole, ensuring patients receive the trauma-informed care they rightfully deserve.
Under the terms of the transfer agreement, IAFN will be entrusting all rights, titles, and interests in its programs' foundational assets to ENA. This encompasses membership, with current IAFN members transitioning to ENA membership status and gaining access to a complete suite of member benefits. Additionally, ENA will inherit IAFN’s extensive educational catalog, incorporating all programs, courses, webinars, and various educational materials. This transfer fortifies the ongoing contributions of IAFN toward advancing forensic nursing education and practice.
Jennifer Pierce-Weeks, CEO of IAFN, reaffirmed the value of having a strong community of practice, emphasizing the importance of collaborative work in maintaining the ethical core of nursing while providing a solid platform for growth within the forensic nursing specialty. The alignment of values between ENA and IAFN guided this decision, as both organizations are dedicated to the care of vulnerable patients.
This new chapter represents the evolution of a long-standing partnership between ENA and IAFN, two entities fully committed to supporting nurses who dedicate their careers to providing care in some of the most challenging situations. As Dustin Bass, ENA President, noted, both emergency and forensic nurses are united in their calling to provide compassionate care during their patients’ darkest hours.
As ENA navigates this transition, it remains dedicated to working in collaboration with IAFN leaders to honor and uphold the identity and expertise that underscore the forensic nursing profession. The goal is to augment the shared practice, encourage teamwork, and ultimately improve care in emergency departments and beyond. In a realm where collaboration is key, this alliance promises to enhance the overall landscape of nursing care, ensuring that all patients receive the high-level, trauma-informed support they need and deserve.
For additional information on the Emergency Nurses Association and its initiatives, please visit their website at www.ena.org. This transfer is a pivotal moment for the future of forensic nursing and stands as a testament to the dedication of both organizations in championing patient safety and care access in diverse nursing fields.
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