Sexual Assault Evidence Collection (SANE) Education for Nurses

Course overview

Emergency room nurses are often the first healthcare professionals to care for survivors of sexual assault in the immediate aftermath of an assault. These patients may present with complex physical injuries, emotional trauma, safety concerns, and forensic evidence collection needs. It is essential that survivors receive compassionate, patient-centered, and trauma-informed care that prioritizes safety, dignity, autonomy, and emotional support while addressing their medical, forensic, legal, and psychosocial needs. This course is designed to educate nurses on their role in the assessment and care of sexual assault survivors using current national guidelines and evidence-based best practices. Participants will review trauma-informed communication techniques, informed consent, mandatory reporting considerations, forensic evidence collection principles, documentation standards, patient advocacy resources, and reporting options. The course also emphasizes the importance of preserving patient autonomy, maintaining confidentiality, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams throughout the care process. Upon completion of this course, participants will have a greater understanding of the nurse's responsibilities in providing safe, compassionate, and legally appropriate care for adult and adolescent sexual assault survivors in the emergency care setting.