They learn to deal with trauma or death investigations and give care to victims Dallas Morning News, April 19, 2007 DALLAS -- Howard McKay has just taken a big step in his career. He immersed himself in training to become a sexual assault nurse examiner - one of several certifications in forensic nursing. 'The rewards come in seeing that you have truly helped your patients and families who are in crisis,' said Howard McKay, a nurse practitioner. Guiding victims of abuse and other crimes toward healing is an emotionally charged responsibility. Demand for forensic nurses continues to increase dramatically. Special training is needed to apply nursing science to public and legal proceedings, according to the International Association of Forensic Nurses. These principles guide forensic nurses employed in government agencies, jails and prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and other environments. "Violence is a public health epidemic and affects us globally," said Patricia A. Crane, a board member of the International Association of Forensic Nurses and an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.