job description for hospitality staff in e.r. for rapes

[deltapen]

I have recently started a SANE program in our

E.R. (So far I'm the only nurse). I gave an

inservice to the staff which went very well.

One of our hospitality staff was there and

asked what they could and should do when a

rape victim comes in. Their job is to make

patients/visitors comfortable and assist

them with other non-medical issues.

I am giving them an inservice in a couple weeks

and wonder if there are any suggestions?

I already told her NO drinks, and their primary

job would be to comfort family etc while they're waiting for me and the rape advocate to arrive.

(They are usually taken to a special waiting room until I get there.) Anything else?

Thanks...Pennie

[Nittlebug]

When I have a rape victim come to the ER we try to provide as much privacy as possible. I have all family go to waiting room except the victim can have one family member with her until the advocate arrives. Then I take her to a private room. I prefer to have just her and I and the police officer in the room during the interview. I have allowed one family member if she requests or the advocate.

I guess just try to put yourself in the victims shoes, I wouldn't want a bunch of people to know what happened. Only trained personel (SANE nurse and advocate) should have contact with the victim. A hospitality crew just seems like too much to me.

[inSANE]

A really good thing to inservice your staff on prior to the SANE arrival is first and foremost NO BEVERAGES! I can't tell you how many times this has happened. And if the patient has to pee have them wipe with their own underwear or save the toilet tissue.

I have written the policy, we have a colposcope but don't have the program up and running......guess they want us to do it for free! NOT!

[aus nurse]

I guess just try to put yourself in the victims shoes, I wouldn't want a bunch of people to know what happened. Only trained personel (SANE nurse and advocate) should have contact with the victim. A hospitality crew just seems like too much to me.

Well said Nittlebug,

I do not work either in ER or with sexual assault clients but if I were ever in the horrible situation of being a rape victim myself then I sure would value as much privacy as possible.

[Furball]

No drinks?

O God....that's horrible:stone :stone :stone :stone