Bikernurse Originally Posted by L&D.RN A couple more questions...are you guys doing your own exams, or are you having an ER doc do the exam. We heard it both ways at the conference and I'd just like to hear other views. We do our own exams, but if we question anything or think that they need to be seen by a doc for something medical, we have the ER doc take a look.
My understanding is that unless you are "on staff" as allied medical staff the doctor still has to see the patient for the medical screening exam (mse)(EMTALA) part. What happens at our rural hospital where I am the only SANE and on unofficial call 24/7, is that I come in and do the total exam using the state supplied kit. After that the doctor comes in to see the patient, reviews options re additional lab test, meds, morning after pills, and a quick mse and or course will care for wounds which require suturing or fractures, etc if needed. The patient has an oportunity to ask any questions and the doctors here are great. "Thank God your here" is often said when I arrive. Because the forensics are done by me the doctor doesn't get called in to court and there name is not on the forms which deal with the collection of evidence. As SANE we get more training in forensics and exams than the doctors get in med school, one of the doctors has said. In Maine we do not do the exams unless they are 15 years, although I come in for teens to do the evidence collection and assist the doctor with the pelvic exam. I saw 9 patients last year and 5 so far this year. As we know many are never reported and don't ever make it to the ED.
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