Those who fall victim to sexually assault need not only mental care but immediate physical care. SANE nurses are the first line of defense for the vulnerable. These nurses provide care and attention to the victim but also collect the needed forensic evidence to help authorities collect evidence and and prosecute potential cases. SANE nurses are excellent candidates for Forensic Nursing Certification
The article, “What it’s Like To Work as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)” by Chaunie Brusie takes a closer look at the importance of SANE nurses. The article provides an interesting and closer look at the job and work of a SANE nurse. The article discusses how SANE nurses play an important role in helping sexually assaulted victims find justice through immediate care and collection of evidence. Brusie in particular interviews Leah Helmbrect who at the time of the article is training to become a SANE nurse. Helbrect has many interesting perspectives on the role of Sane nurses. She states,
“On top of the injustices she sees for victims, Helmbrecht adds that she struggles with battling common assumptions the general public has about sexual assault and domestic violence. For instance, comments like, “Why don’t they just leave if the abuse is so bad?” blame the victim and overlook the reality that the most dangerous time for a victim of intimate partner violence is when a decision has been made to leave. ”
She also adds in regards to the difficulty of becoming a SANE nurse that it is not meant for everyone,
“Many positions require you to have between 2-5 years RN experience (preferably L&D or ER, but not always mandatory), says Helmbrecht. “Also, it can take its toll emotionally and mentally,” she adds. “It can become really easy to self isolate and turn away from romantic relationships after listening to so many terrible first-hand statements of what happened during these assaults. Make sure you are ready to not take on the trauma these patients have experienced, but also not put your past trauma on your patient.”
“What it’s Like To Work as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)”. Chaunie Brusie. April 20th, 2022. Nurse.org
To review the entire article, please click here
Commentary
A SANE nurse is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. This type of nurse is specially trained to provide care to sexual assault victims and collect evidence for use in law enforcement investigations and/or prosecutions. SANE nurses are typically employed in hospital emergency departments, but may also work in other settings such as community health clinics or standalone forensic exam centers.
What do SANE nurses do?
They work to promote healing and provide support to victims of sexual violence. SANE nurses conduct forensic examinations, collect evidence, and provide expert testimony in court. They also provide education and prevention programs to help reduce the incidence of sexual assault. They also work with law enforcement and other professionals to ensure that these patients receive the best possible care and treatment. SANE nurses are an important part of the team that works to keep our communities safe from sexual violence.
The role of SANE nurses is critical in providing comprehensive, compassionate care to patients who have been sexually assaulted or abused. SANE nurses are specially trained to provide high-quality, patient-centered care to these individuals. They are able to provide medical forensic exams and collect evidence, as well as offer emotional support and advocacy services. SANE nurses play a vital role in ensuring that these patients receive the care they need and deserve.
They work closely with county officials to ensure that these patients receive the best possible care and treatment. In addition, they work closely with detectives, law enforcement and prosecution. In this regard, they not only work within the emergency room, but are also called into court for possible expert testimony.
A particular nurse who looks to enter into Forensic Nursing and SANE nursing needs to have an interest not only in care, but also an understanding of law as well as an articulate ability to communicate and speak before others. They must also possess a strong character to seek justice for others. It can become traumatic to see so much violence, so SANE nurses must also be able o see past the broken and help others find justice without allowing the evil of the world to break their spirit.
SANE nursing is not meant for everyone in this regard. This does not mean one who cannot perform these duties is an inferior nurse but shows it takes a different type of person who can process this type of material and still be able to see a positive spin on he world. Hence SANE nursing is not for everyone. The job they do is a difficult one and requires a particular type of personality and professionalism. It is in many ways a calling.
Conclusion
in conclusion, SANE nurses provide an important service to their communities. They help victims of sexual assault receive the care and treatment they need. SANE nurses are specially trained and have the skills to provide care for these victims. They also work to educate the public about sexual assault and its effects on victims. SANE nurses play an important role in victim advocacy and support.
Please also review AIHCP’s Forensic Nursing Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals and nurses seeking a four year certification in Forensic Nursing. Many nurses who pass the SANE exam also pursue a Forensic Nursing Certification to add to their expertise and knowledge in helping the local county with sexual assault.
Additional Resources
“The First Year as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner: Role Transition and Role-related Stress Within a New SANE Team”. Julia SSengPhD, CNM, RN, etc, al. Journal of Emergency Nursing Volume 30, Issue 2, April 2004, Pages 126-133. Access here
“Evolution of Forensic Nursing Theory——Introduction of the Constructed Theory of Forensic Nursing Care: A Middle-Range Theory”. Julie L. Valentine, PhD, RN, CNE, SANE-A, etc, al. Journal of Forensic Nursing. 2020 Oct-Dec; 16(4): 188–198. Access here
“From Forensics to Advocacy: The Importance of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners”. September 16th, 2019. Georgetown University: School of Nursing. Access here
“SANEs: Who They Are, What They Do, and Why It Matters”. Elite learning. April 28th, 2021. Elite Learning. Access here