Do your have to have a forensic nursing degree to get SANE?

Specialties Forensic

Published

Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I currently work in a birth center and hope to work their for a very long time. I would like to eventually do additional areas of nursing such a CNM/WNHP with a focus on women survivors and PPD/PTSD. I am wondering if ones has to have a forensic nursing degree to become SANE certified. Some things make it sound like you do while other make it sound like it is an additional course and certification. Can anyone enlighten me?

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hi,

I've never seen where this was a requirement, Hearts.

I suppose it's up to the individual entity whether they want the SANE nurse to also possess a degree in Forensics.....???

But, to be certified SANE, the Forensic degree is not required.

Specializes in Mother Baby & pre-hospital EMS.

Hi HeartsOpenWide!

That is soo neat that you are working in a birth center.

I knew you were interested in pursuing CNM, but I didn't know you were also interested in becoming SANE-certified - very cool! I am interested in the same kinds of areas as you: CNM/WHNP (hopefully through Frontier) and SANE-certification). And I don't know if you remember, but I was the one who asked you some questions about doula certification through CBI (I'm still in the Physiology manual....but moving steadily through :)).

Anyway :).......to answer your question, last time I read on the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) website, one of the requirements was to have 2 years of nursing experience. I went to the website today, and the handbook that states the requirements for certification is being revised at the moment. The website is iafn.org if you want to learn more.

Best wishes in all that you do!

Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Sehsun:

I found this web site. Its on-line and pretty inexpensive. Thought you might be interested.

http://www.extension.ucr.edu/academics/certificates/sexual_assault.html

Specializes in Mother Baby & pre-hospital EMS.
Sehsun:

I found this web site. Its on-line and pretty inexpensive. Thought you might be interested.

http://www.extension.ucr.edu/academics/certificates/sexual_assault.html

Thank you so much for letting me know about this program!! Definitely will save this link.

I know I'm a little late but I am a SANE in New Mexico and previously Oregon. I have never heard of SANE's being required to have a forensic nursing degree. Some programs require both peds and adult SANE certifications and some want a forensic certification but not a degree.

I love SANE it's the best work I've ever done. If this is something you are interested in then go for it! I will say though most SANE programs prefer ER experience over women's. Partly so we can rule out and recognize trauma as well as treat it when it just shows up at the unit. It's also helpful in testimony as trauma nurse are pretty good at describing the difference between a bruise, abrasion and echymosis. There are differences between a bruise and echymosis as well as a tear and laceration.

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