Within Oakland University’s School of Nursing, Kelly Berishaj, DNP, SON ’13, takes clinical care a step further by teaching the next generation of caregivers the importance of forensic nursing. With help from community partners like Turning Point, Dr. Berishaj is utilizing cutting-edge care in catastrophic situations, catering to patients who’ve experienced trauma, while introducing real-world experience to emerging medical professionals.

Associate Professor Kelly Berishaj, DNP

“I have seen [this] education improve the way the students carry themselves and are able to share knowledge on these subjects,” Berishaj says.

“Most people will be exposed to some form of violence, trauma or maltreatment at some point in their lives,” says Brenda Dzierzawski, OU special instructor and forensic nursing director. “Most of them will neither understand the effects nor have the tools to heal and move forward from it. [Because of this,] learning the aspects of forensic nursing is especially important for nurses.”

Turning Point serves to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking

At Oakland University, the forensic nursing program robustly revolves around receiving well-rounded experience. Students complete clinical experiences and graduate projects throughout Michigan and in other states, including working alongside health care providers, law enforcement, the legal system, advocacy and beyond. Additionally, students are expected to reach further than understanding systems in place, but also search for opportunities to improve care and services to patients, victims, and survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence, human trafficking, elder/child maltreatment and beyond.

Combining foundational nursing courses with specialty forensic studies ensures a mindful medley of skills to help these patients in need. “I feel really proud that we can continue to advance the specialty through our work at Oakland University and through partners, like Turning Point,” Berishaj says.

Dr. Berishaj brings students to partners like Turning Point to help with hands-on training in forensic nursing