Information Overload!

You can become a SANE nurse with a BSN (or a diploma or an ADN, for that matter), however some programs require several years of nursing experience.

SANE training is one very important aspect of forensic nursing, but, it isn't the same as having a degree in forensics. The core values of most SANE programs are capable and caring treatment of sexual assault victims (some programs include domestic abuse), the collection and preservation of evidence, the presentation of such evidence within the justice system, and the education of the public about sexual assault prevention and treatment.

My initial training was a 5-day intensive course followed by many, many hours of additional training (seminars, competencies, classes, online and written information, etc.).

Because you are still in school, I suggest that you contact programs in your area and ask about shadowing or volunteering. Our program uses people from a local women's center to act as patient advocates. Their training is much less intense, so that might be a good place to start. Doing something like that would give you a good view of what's involved over all.

Here is a link to training connected with Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and an excerpt from their website.

http://depts.washington.edu/hcsats/training.html

We provide the following educational programs for medical professionals:

• Core Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training: This 5-day training provides didactic and practicum experience for nurses to become sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). The training meets the requirements of the International Association of Forensic Nurses.
  
• Regional CORE Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training: This 2 or 3 day Core SANE training can be brought to your community to train nurses who will perform sexual assault exams.
  
• Advanced SANE training: 1 day training for new and experienced SANE examiners.
  
• Northwest Child Maltreatment Peer Review: Advanced training for medical professionals who provide consultation on child physical and sexual abuse.
  
• Clinical mentorship and case review
  
• Individualized training for programs with specific training requests.
  

If you Google SANE training, you should find other good information, but it seems like Harborview would be a good place to start.

Hope this helps.

Cest wishes with your quest.

Check out IAFN's website for info on training and certification as well. They have some good stuff on there.

hi - just received an email from terri stewart, rn at harborview, who says:

"we are hoping to do another sane training in the fall but no dates have been set yet. i would say check back end of summer at our website and info should be there (www.hcsats.org). the trainings currently cost $750 for the weeek, no pre-reqs at all." hope this helps...