Sexual Assault

[Daisy9739]

How do you handle sexual assault patients and evidence collection?

In my neck of the woods we have a sexual assault nurse (SANE) that comes into the ED, and handles everything. However, my "great" hospital does not contract with them. So to make a long story short, we run around like chickens with our head cut off.

So here is some questions.

Do you have a policy in place if so what is the basics of it?

Do you have a cart with all the items you need, and if so what items are on it?

Do you use an action plan, i.e. charge RN takes over primary RN's assignment until evidence collection is complete, or untill some one is called in to replace her. Evidence is locked in specified locker, with key in pyxis. etc.

I would also like to here from any SANE RN's or Facilities using them.

Thanks so much any info will be helpful, I'm trying to organize a new policy as well as an in service.

[twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I am one of the SANE nurses for my hospital. This is a lengthy question/answer. A good place to go and look for protocols would be on google.com, search for sexual assault exams for your state. I know West Virginia has protocols on the internet.

Also look to see if any of your nurses could go to a class and become trained. That would surely ease the anxiety!

[beccarner]

Daisy, As stated on previous post, it would be a great idea if one of the experienced nurses in your ER or two preferably for one can't be there 24/7. I am an assault nurse. You must first realize that your assignment is NOT to determine if the victim is telling the truth, that is up to the prosecuter, but to collect the evidence in professional manner and with skill and knowledge on the proper way. There should be a patient advocate there to comfort the victim so you can collect evidence. Many large cities will have programns and protocols to follow. Treat every victim as if you would want to be treated and remember we all to not react to situations the same. Good Luck!

[Iam46yearsold]

Our hospital has on call SANE nurse examiners, also on call Rape counselors to assist the recovery process. They come in we assess the need and notify the Rape Crisis Hot line and turn the patient over to them. All handled quickly, cleanly, legally, forensically and most of all compassionately.

[JessicRN]

we have a sane nurse as well but sometimes they are busy with another case elsewhere and if there is greater then an hour wait we have to do it. One nurse is assigned strictly to the patient (we are all trained in doing the kit ) we have a complete policy and procedure the nurses assignment is devided amongst the other staff members until he/she finishes.

With the new chages in specimen collection, the whole procedure is quicker and less traumatic to the patient. (you no longer have to collect hair or pubic hair samples)