Just finished my first SANE case

Specialties Forensic

Published

...and I don't know what to think. So much to assess, document, process...how in the world will I ever put it all together without taking so long? Thankfully, I had a very patient preceptor with me. But I feel like I was so focused on my tasks that I didn't have time or the wherewithal to be therapeutic at all. My patient did have an advocate with her (she was wonderful!), so she did have great emotional support. But still, I feel I was just so.....mechanical.

I know I documented everything and processed the kit correctly, but I really feel I failed at the human element of my time with the patient.

Does it all come together with time and experience? In the mean time, how can I become a better SANE?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
...and I don't know what to think. So much to assess, document, process...how in the world will I ever put it all together without taking so long? Thankfully, I had a very patient preceptor with me. But I feel like I was so focused on my tasks that I didn't have time or the wherewithal to be therapeutic at all. My patient did have an advocate with her (she was wonderful!), so she did have great emotional support. But still, I feel I was just so.....mechanical.

I know I documented everything and processed the kit correctly, but I really feel I failed at the human element of my time with the patient.

Does it all come together with time and experience? In the mean time, how can I become a better SANE?

Hello, daisybaby,

You will develop a routine and learn to manage time. Not to say you will perform the same each time, but, you will learn to juggle the possibilites and probabilities of the dynamic differences of the individual victim.

You have to on some level be able to seperate the "emotional" components from the technical ones. That is why you have the additional presence of the advocate, as you stated. You will learn, as you gain experience, to develop the ability to be "human" as well as technical. Takes time. You have the talent and the basics. Just give yourself room for additional abilities to evolve.

Good luck. And, congratulations on your first case.:)

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Think about when you first became a nurse - it took a while to get time management concepts ingrained. It took a while to effectively and quickly do all your tasks with your patients.

Consider this as becoming a nurse again. It will take a while to get into your flow but it will happen. It will become like second nature and you will be able to do all aspects in a reasonably quick amount of time.

I think it took me about 7 or 8 exams to get into a good flow and then I could start adding in more therapeutic interactions (discussing follow up counseling in depth, interview skills improved, etc). Just keep charging through! It'll get better.

And good for you on become a SANE!

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If anyone wants info on forensic nursing try your local library. I found a book at my local library on forensic nursing. It was checked out but I put it on hold. Just an idea.

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