I have always been fascinated by kaleidoscopes, cylindrical devices lined with mirrors and filled with shards of colored glass, pebbles, and beads, which, when turned, create constantly changing patterns. These patterns are bright, beautiful, and unique. The idea that a finite number of glass or plastic pieces can create an infinite number of patterns intrigues me. I wonder how many times I must turn the wheel before I see the full range of possibilities (see Figure 1).
I think of forensic nursing and research in a similar way. Although there are core elements of forensic nursing, there is also a breadth and depth to the specialty that provides infinite possibilities. The range of specialized areas within this one area of nursing is incredible; yet there are commonalities that undergird the specialty. We all practice with compassion. We all possess a vision of what could be rather than being tied to what is, and we are, by necessity, leaders. Leadership is necessary in working with our patients to ensure their voices are heard. At the same time, vast differences exist in the many practice areas of forensic nursing. Each subspecialty area is like turning the kaleidoscope to reveal a new vision of beauty-a new configuration of the same pieces that yield something so uniquely different. This special issue of the Journal of Forensic Nursing epitomizes the complexity and diversity of forensic nursing across the lifespan. Articles representing a comprehensive range of issues, processes, theories, and practices aimed at the advancement of forensic nursing are featured.
As we look back on 10 years of the Journal of Forensic Nursing, the variance of our practices is evident. In the first issue, founding Editor Louanne Lawson issued the call for members to submit articles that reflected the range of practice and the foundation of science. Contributors responded with articles on sexual assault, corrections, death investigation, child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, and forensic mental health. Soon thereafter, individuals from other disciplines, such as forensic science, criminal justice, anthropology, psychology, and medicine, also began publishing in the JFN. Articles poured in from authors in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania, and Asia.
Over the years, we have changed Editors, now Cindy Peternelj-Taylor; changed publishers; and changed members of the Editorial Board. Despite all of these changes, the JFN has flourished. The number and quality of submissions have steadily increased over the years. The JFN has matured in status and notoriety and is now seen as a top peer-reviewed journal for forensic nursing and forensic science. This is because of the dedication and scholarship of the many contributors, supporters, and readers.
So, although the kaleidoscope has been turned many times, endless possibilities and combinations remain. The possibilities and opportunities for the specialty are limitless. As we embark on another 10 years, what will be the call to action? To continue this amazing journey, we must be able to rely on the members of the IAFN and all of our supporters and contributors.
The Editorial Board is dedicated to producing a high-quality journal with sound science and excellent scholarship that was developed with rigor and that shapes the discipline and informs the practice of forensic nursing. In the decades to follow, the challenge will be to maintain this rigor in becoming the premier journal for forensic science. We must continue to develop science that is foundational to forensic nursing practice. We encourage our members and supporters to identify issues and questions that emerge in practice, to link with researchers to develop solid evidence-based solutions, and to critically evaluate and disseminate the evidence.
Research and the development of science also have similarities with the kaleidoscope. Just as we turn the kaleidoscope and get a new view, each time we explore issues using a research process, we understand a phenomenon from a new perspective. That is the beauty of science-the more we explore an issue from multiple perspectives using multiple lenses and formats, the more we learn about that issue. The closer we get to having a complete understanding or reaching the place of truth. Science is built through multiple articles on similar issues. Both qualitative and quantitative research projects are needed, as are clinical trials and experimental research. Quality improvement projects often provide answers to safety issues just as cost analyses and sustainability projects provide answers to economic questions. Theory development and refinement provide rationale to support clinical practice. Case reports document rare and intriguing cases so all learn from the experience. Finally, integrative and systematic reviews summarize the evidence, and dissemination projects inform our knowledge on the feasibility of a proposed intervention.
So what is our vision? We envision a spirit of inquiry within the JFN where answering questions leads to more questions. The spirit of inquiry can lead to collaborative projects where individuals work across practice settings to develop sound science that moves forensic nursing forward. The vision is to see just how many possible combinations of colored glass exist, to see how many turns are needed to have seen every view, and to find new kaleidoscopes with more mirrors and more glass stones and new possibilities of what we can learn. So to those of you who have submitted to the JFN in the last 10 years, we say "thank you." To those of you who have not yet submitted, we say "please do." The field of forensic nursing will be advanced, and the knowledge base will grow when multiple individuals work together on the multiplicity of problems to increase our understanding and provide solutions. The Editorial Board is eager to work with you to develop your manuscript and to discuss ideas.