FN 585 - Forensic Nursing Practice And Sexual Assault

Course overview

This course will be a broad overview of the role of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. While this course is not a full sexual assault program, it will give insight into the role SANE's play in the unique care of patient's wo have suffered a sexual assault. We will look at the history of SANE nursing and the evolution of this role. We will touch on the Medical Forensic Exam (MFE), documentation, identification of injuries, treatment of injuries as well as addressing sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. The Sexual Assault Response Team is instrumental in the care of these patients. We will learn about the roles, responsibilities and how they help care for these patients. Knowing that not every community has the same resources, the SANE is sometimes responsible for several roles. The effects of trauma on the brain and mental health will also be addressed. We will also look at areas that are often intertwined in sexual assault including drug facilitated sexual assault, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, elder abuse and sexual homicide. We will touch on some of the difference that may be seen as well as the differences in the MFE. Finally, we will touch on how we can measure outcomes of the SANE and SART as well as sustainability of programs. I look forward to working with you on your journey to working as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.