[sirI]

The victim of a sexual assault is one of the most severely psychologically traumatized individuals a nurse can encounter. Upon presentation to the hospital, they are often re-traumatized as well. Just being examined, most will re-live the assault.

The role of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is the epitome of patient support. The SANE nurse is responsible for not only preserving the dignity of the victim, but for collecting evidence that links the victim and the suspect.


A few of the functions of the SANE nurse include:

Perform a physical examination on the victim

Collect evidence

Treat minor injuries such as cuts/bruises

Expert testimony regarding the forensic evidence collected

Serve on a SANE response team (SART)

Work closely with law enforcement agencies and the prosecuter's office

Support the psychological needs of the victim


Here is an educative list for SANE:

University of California Forensic Nursing Certificate Program - Online

International Association of Forensic Nurses

Kaplan University - Online

American College of Forensic Examiners Institute of Forensic Science

Sexual Assault Resource Service

Allnursingschools.com List - not inclusive


Most academic programs are approximately 60 hours with a 45 hour cinical internship.

To sit for national certification, one must have:

1 - unrestricted RN license
2 - at least 2 to 5 years RN experience (depending on the certification entity)
3 - have completed at least 40 hours of SANE didactic instruction (again, depending upon the program and certification entity)
4 - have pre-determined supervised clinical practice post education

Of course, a Masters degree will be longer; approx. 30 months part time. Most certificate programs can be completed in approx. 12 months full time.

There are also DNP programs with a Forensic Nursing track.
__________________________________________________ ______

The world of forensic science is intriguing and rewarding. The SANE nurse is a very important part of this.

[CHATSDALE]

we have progressed a lot in this area, my hat is off for the nurses who stand up for human dignity

[Katnip]

I actually went into emergency with the idea of getting SANE certified, and a master's in forensics. I lost my heart for it for a bit after son died, but I do think I'm about ready to look into it again. It keeps pulling at me.

[4U2Bblessed]

I have a degree in Mental Health/Counseling and was a Rape Crisis Counselor for several years after getting my degree. I am now going to nursing school and would love to find out more about the SANE nursing...How do you specialize in this?

[sirI]

Hello, 4U2Bblessed,

Click on the links provided above and you will get answers to many of your questions.

Check out these threads found in this forum as well:

How Do I Become a Forensic Nurse/Role of the Forensic Nurse

Forensic Nursing - Is it For You?

Good to read of your interest in Forensic Nursing. If you should have other questions/concerns, please do no hesitate to post here and/or send me a private message.

[sirI]

Originally Posted by cyberkat

I actually went into emergency with the idea of getting SANE certified, and a master's in forensics. I lost my heart for it for a bit after son died, but I do think I'm about ready to look into it again. It keeps pulling at me.

Hello, cyberkat,

Somehow, I missed this post from you and it's been over two months since you posted this. I apologize for not responding.

I cannot imagine the agony of your loss. And, for you to be pulled to this area of nursing speaks volumes about your character and your caring soul.

I know we have communicated via pm before and if you need/want other information regarding the role of the Forensic Nurse, SANE, etc., please do not hesitate to contact me.

[sirI]

Originally Posted by CHATSDALE

we have progressed a lot in this area, my hat is off for the nurses who stand up for human dignity

Hi, CHATSDALE,

I missed your post, too. Yes, this is a very exciting area of nursing. Still in its infancy.

[evachain]

Hello! I am actually very curious about the profession of a SANE. I have always been interested in forensic nursing from the day I entered nursing school. However, it was such a new thing at the time, that I let it go to the back of my mind. I went to school from 1999-2003. I obtained my BSN, but failed my NCLEX exam the first time I took it. I then got married, and had 2 gorgeous babies and have been busy with my family ever since. Now that it is a new year and some time has passed, I am finally ready to prepare to go back (p/t) to my career in nursing. I never actually had the opportunity to start my career but I have always desired to incorporate my forensic and criminal interest with my degree (I come from a family of police officers!). And so, I have a number of questions as to where to begin. I have started studying for my boards in a attempt to obtain my license. My first question is...do you need your license to become a sane? Secondly, do you need experience in the nursing profession to become a sane, and if so, how long? Third, do you need you're actual sane certification to begin working as such (I know there are some teaching programs which allow you to begin an internship of some sort while you attend school.) My plan is to obtain my license, begin working in an ER or med/surg floor, p/t, while at the same time starting a program for SANE (online). I would like to gain experience while preparing for my ultimate goal. Any feedback on my plans to further this career and answeres to my questions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!

Eva

[evachain]

I almost forgot. Is it wise to become certified as an LNC (who I believe acts as a counselor) in this profession. I feel as if I am a counselor at heart; my friends often come to me for advice and I have always loved helping people in that aspect also...can the two be combined? Thank you so much for any help with my questions. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks again!

Eva

[sirI]

Originally Posted by evachain

Hello! I am actually very curious about the profession of a SANE. I have always been interested in forensic nursing from the day I entered nursing school. However, it was such a new thing at the time, that I let it go to the back of my mind. I went to school from 1999-2003. I obtained my BSN, but failed my NCLEX exam the first time I took it. I then got married, and had 2 gorgeous babies and have been busy with my family ever since. Now that it is a new year and some time has passed, I am finally ready to prepare to go back (p/t) to my career in nursing. I never actually had the opportunity to start my career but I have always desired to incorporate my forensic and criminal interest with my degree (I come from a family of police officers!). And so, I have a number of questions as to where to begin. I have started studying for my boards in a attempt to obtain my license. My first question is...do you need your license to become a sane? Secondly, do you need experience in the nursing profession to become a sane, and if so, how long? Third, do you need you're actual sane certification to begin working as such (I know there are some teaching programs which allow you to begin an internship of some sort while you attend school.) My plan is to obtain my license, begin working in an ER or med/surg floor, p/t, while at the same time starting a program for SANE (online). I would like to gain experience while preparing for my ultimate goal. Any feedback on my plans to further this career and answeres to my questions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!

Eva

Hello, Eva and welcome to allnurses.com

So good to have you!!

Check out the links above about the SANE career. Some of your questions/concerns will be addressed there.

To answer your question about licensure, yes, you must be a licensed RN in order to become SANE.

One should be familiar with forensics, a major part of the SANE nurse, and the one of the ways to do this is through experience on-the-job as an RN. The ED is a great place to gain that experience.

As for working as a SANE nurse, I suppose it depends on the entity if they will hire you in that capacity with zero experience. Could be some will do that and send you to the program. You must check that out and see in your area.

To answer your next question in the next post: I don't see any benefit to be a legal nurse consultant (LNC) prior to the SANE. Totally different careers although the LNC is recognized as a part of the forensic team. The former is medical/legal consultant and latter, strictly patient support person who utilizes the legal system in said patient support. I am LNC and also have experience in forensic nursing, but they are not interchangeable. Forensics helps me in some areas of the LNC, but certainly I could not do SANE as LNC without training as such.

I wish you much good luck on NCLEX. Get some RN experience and go for the SANE.