In this powerful conclusion to the two-part series, Kalen and Karen continue their essential conversation with Ava Davis about providing trauma-informed, gender-affirming care for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming patients in forensic nursing settings. Part 2 dives deep into practical applications, featuring a real-world case study that demonstrates both the challenges and solutions in forensic nursing practice. We cover gender-affirming medical treatments, appropriate history gathering techniques, handling mistakes, and the critical importance of patient advocacy in healthcare settings. With detailed explanations of hormonal therapy, puberty inhibitors, and gender-affirming surgeries, this episode provides forensic nurses with the essential knowledge and tools needed to provide competent, compassionate care to gender-diverse patients. Don’t miss listening to Part 1!

Key Episode Learnings:

• Discover the nuances of medical justification: Learn how explaining the medical necessity behind sensitive questions reduces patient anxiety and builds trust
• Learn the anatomical inventory techniques: Learn how to move from least to most invasive questioning when gathering medical history from gender-diverse patients
• Gender-affirming medical care 101: Discover the reality of hormonal therapy effects, puberty inhibitors, and various surgical options that patients may have experienced
• Unleash the advocacy imperative: Learn why healthcare providers, not law enforcement, control what happens in healthcare facilities and must advocate for patient autonomy
• Uncover the life-saving nature of affirmative care: Learn why hormone therapy can literally feel like saving a patient’s life and why denial of gender-affirming care can have devastating consequences

Couldn't join us live in Omaha at the #IAFN2025 International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science & Practice? You can still register for our upcoming virtual conference: https://iafn2025.eventscribe.net/

Episode Resources:

• 2022 U.S. Trans Survey: https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/USTS_2022Health%26WellbeingReport_WEB.pdf
• Fenway Institute's National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH): https://wpath.org/
• National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/
• Gender Dysphoria Bible: https://genderdysphoria.fyi/en/physical-dysphoria
• The Genderbread Person: https://www.samkillermann.com/work/genderbread-person/
• The Safe Zone Project: https://thesafezoneproject.com/

IAFN Resources

• IAFN Online Learning Center (OLC): forensicnurses.org/page/OLCAccess/
• TeleSAFE Toolkit: Access this Step-by-Step Guide to a Trauma-Informed Program at forensicnurses.org/page/TeleSAFE/
• International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN): Learn more at forensicnurses.org
• IAFN Foundation: Support our work to spread forensic nursing at fundforensicnursing.org
• IAFN’s SAFEta Resources: Explore safeta.org
• National Tribal Clearinghouse on Sexual Assault (NTCSA): Supporting tribal communities at supportingourcircle.org

Join the Conversation
Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Send us a voice message on our website at forensicnurses.org/podcast/ Let’s make this podcast a resource tailored to YOU!

Connect with Us

• Website: Forensic Nurses
• Instagram: @iafn_forensicnurses
• IAFN Membership
• Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter

Don’t Miss a Single Episode!

Stay tuned for more forensic nursing stories, expert insights, groundbreaking research, and discussions that go beyond the evidence. Subscribe to this podcast in your favorite podcast app to get notified of the new episodes and don’t miss a step on this journey!