How can I become SANE?

Penguin67 · Apr 21, 2009

Each state and local area has slightly different rules and regs. Let me tell you how I did it in Georgia.

I contacted a Rape Crisis Center in my town. They screened me and put me in touch with a state wide program out of Atlanta, Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA). I attended a class that was one week long, and very intense. Covered topics such as understanding the victim, communication, details of the exam, etc...

Following completion of the class, I had a 40 hour preceptorship to complete before I was certified by GNESA as a SANE. The 40 hours could be scheduled at my liberty, and included: hours with an NP pr MD learning to do pelvic examinations, hours with a pediatrician learning pediatric exam techniques (I clepped this, as I am a certified pediatric nurse), doing an 8 hour ride-along with local police (to help us to understand law enforcement's role, as we would be working together), time with the local DA who prosecutes the cases, time with victim assistance services at the courthouse, time spent observing court room trials (as we will be called as the expert to testify if our case goes to court), time spent with rape crisis center to learn what services they offer to the victim, and time spent with the state bureau of investigation to see how DNA is processed. Also, I had to do 3 supervised (precepted) exams, so I had to take call with a SANE preceptor until I fulfilled that requirement.

The basic requirement is to have two or more years of experience before being admitted to a SANE training program. Many local DA's offices fund the training, and some rape crisis centers do as well.

There are degrees offered in forensic nursing at the master's level, but you don't have to have one of those to work as a SANE.

Look at the website for the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). www.iafn.org

Hope this informaiton helps!

BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Apr 21, 2009

There is a "forensic nursing" tab under the nursing specialty tab that has more info. If I were more computer savvy I'd post it,.....

I am a SANE nurse in Missouri. My ER paid for a group of us to take the course and the exam. This isn't a full time position for us. We all work as full time staff RN's and we take turns being on call for SANE exams. There is a huge need for this type of specialty. It took us a long time,.years, to convince administration of the need and we still don't have all the kinks worked out yet,.but we've increased our reimbursement for these exams from approx $150 to around $1200 just by having someone who is specially trained and has the knowledge of what needs to be done and what forms to fill out. Money is always a big motivator and it's working for us. Best of luck to you and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

Sparrowhawk · Apr 21, 2009

I'm assuming you have to have your RN to even consider this?

mustlovepoodles, RN · Apr 22, 2009

I'm in awe of anyone who can do this. :bow:

BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Apr 22, 2009

I'm assuming you have to have your RN to even consider this?

Yes,..an RN with 2yrs experience. The job includes a full RN assessment.

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 22, 2009

Thread moved to Forensic Nursing forum.

Check out these threads:

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

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - SANE

Good luck with your decisions to become a SANE.

TennNurse · Apr 22, 2009

Penguin and Cardiac, thanks! I will get started looking into these. Turns out Memphis has a really good rape crisis center. Not sure exactly what this says about our fair city.....

sugarsweet21612 · May 7, 2009

is there any way a SANE can be an NP? what type of masters would you get?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 4, 2009

is there any way a SANE can be an NP? what type of masters would you get?

Yes, some programs have Masters in Forensic Nursing.

Boston College has a Clinical Nurse Specialist track:

http://www.bc.edu/schools/son/programs/masters/specialties/forensicnursing.html