My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

Southernyankee~you are a wonderful, loving, caring woman. Just reading your posts about what you have done for this little girl makes me soo grateful for her that she has you. Since they haven't sent any therapist in to see her, could you contact one yourself or ask the doc on her case for a referral? She really needs to see a child therapist. Especially one who deals with this kind of stuff.
Since her father was arrested and DHS is most likely going to be involved at this point. They will remove the little girl from her home. Is it possible that you can apply to be a foster parent? Maybe that way you can ask that she be placed with you since you know her case. I would contact DHS and ask them what you can do to get involved with her outside of the hosp. DHS will more than likely want to discuss with you and the doc the extent of her injuries and recieve her medical records as well.

Perhaps you might contact the DHS worker and advocate for her being transferred to a children's hospital or specialty facility (if she's medically clear)where she can get the team approach she needs? You would lose her as a patient, but more easily be able to treat her as a friend. If that fails advocating for a SANE nurse and a child therapist would help. The DHS should be doing this, but may be more focused on the investigation than the care the child needs. I just fear that once her medical needs are stabilized, she will get put right into group/foster care without the intensive help she needs.

I think that just because it brings up the past for you doesn't mean you should limit your involvement. Since you have been able to have a family and career, you obviously have worked hard on healing your own trauma. I think it's a great idea to get some therapy for yourself for a while in helping you deal with it. Also, very good to turn here for support. The fact that you are able to reach out and to discuss this issue also shows you have done some healing.

I originally majored in Human Services because I wanted to help child abuse victims, having also a very bad childhood. I worked as a CNA to pay for it. By the 3rd year, I realized nursing was a better choice for me. Nurses provide real, tangible help to their patients. Even if they need a referral elsewhere we DO SOMETHING for them. Human Services was all about making referrals and coming up with care plans for the family or someone else to carry out. Nurses jump in and get things done! Being an advocate for the patient is what I see as my most important role as a nurse. This child needs an advocate. Give her lots of TLC, as you are. But, also really advocate for her to get all the treatment she needs to heal emotionally as well as physically.

And don't forget to take care of you!