SANE/Sexual Assault Nurse (training differences, experiences)

[grace_lorraine87]

Hello! I am currently in the middle of completing pre-reqs for my NLN which I should be taking within a year. My program should be (if...WHEN i pass!) a following two years of RN classes with clinicals. I was initially going into PICU/Peds, but, being a survivor of sexual abuse and assault myself it is a topic very close to my heart. I've always wanted to work closely with children, and PICU seemed the natural choice for me. I like exceptional situations and ones which might be more of a challenge.

Anyway, I've read the thread on SANE nursing, but I just want some clarification. Can I continue with my NLN and then I suppose when I'm done, take the RN classes and just do my clinicals where they find appropriate? Do I have to attend a whole other school entirely? OR, is all of the training on top of my completion of my RN (after I guess just doing clinicals in whichever dept)?

Also, of course, if anyone out there is a SANE nurse I'd love to hear your thoughts, or read a good thread about some. I'm sure it's challenging, frustrating and depressing. I know aspects of the PICU will be the same. However, I want to help these people, and this is something I'm familiar with and can face it.

Thank you!

[Altra, BSN, RN]

I'm not sure what you mean by the NLN.

You may mean that you are currently taking prerequisite courses with the intention of applying to one or more nursing programs which utilize a pre-admission exam developed by the NLN as an admissions decision factor.

Nursing education is somewhat standardized, as the curricula are designed to produce generalist nurses as required for licensure by the 50 state boards of nursing.

SANE/SART training and certification vary widely, from self-study courses to certification including both didactic study and precepted clinical experiences, to post-baccalaureate and masters level degree programs in forensic nursing.

SANE/SART positions for nurses vary also - there are some hospital based programs ... others are functions of city, county and state governments. Most are not full-time, but utilize a pool of professionals on an on-call, as needed basis.

You'll have plenty of time in nursing school to get exposure to many areas. Good luck to you. :)