Graduate Reserch Project

SamBSN · Mar 22, 2013

Correction to post: Adventitious should be Advantageous

RNtoFNP42205 · Mar 24, 2013

I personally was a SANE nurse at my last workplace. I feel that it is unnecessary for a NP to do this exam. I feel like as a SANE RN I had the appropriate training to do my job without a LIP. I like the idea of keeping a NP "on the floor" available to other patients; it would be more efficient and beneficial. Sorry this opinion isn't a very in depth one but I haven't slept from the nightshift still.

SamBSN · Mar 26, 2013

Thank you SO much for your comment. It's funny but I have had little to no responses in regards to these questions. Thanks again and I appreciate your opinion!

Roseyposey · Mar 28, 2013

I am a graduate student, currently enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner program. I am also a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for in Michigan. I am currently completing a research project on the utilization of advanced practice nurses for care of the sexually assaulted patient. Currently, there isn't a lot of information pertaining to the specific role of the APN in care of these patients. Please do not misunderstand me there is a lot of information regarding techniques and rationales for completing these exams, but not a lot in the way of interventions specific to the APN. My current research questions is;
Do you feel it is more adventitious for a sexual assault exam to be completed by an advance practice nurse with training and education specific to evidence collection and care of the sexually assaulted patient, or is it care provided by an RN with similar training is just as proficient?
If you feel it is more beneficial please state why.
If you feel it is not more beneficial pleases explain.
If you are indifferent or see no difference in the matter please explain why.
Do you feel that advanced practice nurses will be instrumental in future advancements in forensic nursing?
If you stated yes to the previous question, what contributions specific to their scope do you feel advanced practitioners will make?
Any and all opinions are welcome. Because the research is so limited, I feel this is the best way to gain further insight into the potential advancements APNs can make this continuously growing field. Thank you so much for your time.
Thank you,
Sam, RN, BSN

I think ONLY a NP should be allowed to do this - not an RN. APRNs have additional training in the lady partsl exam that RNs do not have. Only an NP can Dx what any other issues may be with the victim; any underlying medical problems. An RN can not follow up and treat any problems from the assault that a Nurse Practitioner can. Also, an RN cannot treat any problems that are secondary to the assault - infection, anxiety,STIs, that an APRN can treat. Once a woman is assaulted, the last thing she will want is to have to re-live her story by telling it to many other providers.

RNtoFNP42205 · Mar 28, 2013

I know that we would pull in a doctor or ARNP if necessary on cases. Also a medical doctor always MEDICALLY cleared the patient first prior to our exam (ensure head CT isn't needed due to being hit in head, access/repair lacerations, etc). We were always very clear with all the other nurses that you treat the patient first - not the case. Many places having standing orders for the SANE RN to utilize such as proactive treatment for STI, pregnancy, pain, etc. I don't recall if we had a standing protocol for anxiety but we would be able to get an order quickly. One thing to think about with something for anxiety though: you don't want to give the attorney in court the ability to say the victim wasn't thinking straight due to the medication they received while under your care. Also I guess I am speaking of an ER environment so you have a higher level LIP there at all times.