Forensic Nursing

• Arizona Medical Forensic Exam Facilities 

Forensic Nursing 101

• This training provides an overview of forensic nursing and sexual violence. Topics include a brief introduction to the prevalence and dynamics of sexual assault, the history and evolution of forensic nursing, the role of forensic nurse examiners in caring for sexual assault patient populations, scope and standards of practice, and the effectiveness of SANE programs. Professional and ethical conduct related to SANE practice will be discussed. Participants will receive information on steps toward becoming a sexual assault nurse examiner, including training requirements and certification, as well as local and national resources that contribute to current and competent SANE practice.

Collaborating with Community Agencies

• This training is designed to provide the sexual assault nurse examiner with the foundational knowledge to effectively interact and collaborate with multidisciplinary team members involved in the care of adult and adolescent patients following sexual assault. Participants will gain an understanding of the sexual assault response team (SART), including roles and responsibilities, strategies for initiating and maintaining effective communication among members, and benefits of a coordinated community response.

Victim-Centered and Trauma-Informed Care

• This training provides a comprehensive overview of victim-centered and trauma-informed nursing care for adolescent and adult victims of sexual and domestic violence. Participants will gain an understanding of specific victim-centered practices for each step of the forensic exam process, including but not limited to pre-exam preparation, medicolegal history taking, collaborating with advocates, assessing patient safety, and addressing patients’ physical comfort and psychosocial needs.

Sexual Assault Forensic Exams and Underserved Populations

• This training focuses on the specific needs of underserved adolescent/adult populations, including men, inmates, gender and sexual minorities, elders, patients with disabilities, culturally diverse populations, and patients with mental illness. Topics include an overview of prevalence rates and biopsychosocial consequences of sexual and domestic violence among underserved populations, as well as barriers to reporting and stigma. Particular attention will be given to nursing challenges unique to providing care to these populations and best practices for improving care. This training will provide resources on community services specific to these populations that are appropriate for aftercare referral.

Forensic Nursing and the Criminal Justice System

• This training addresses legal and criminal justice system considerations surrounding the sexual assault forensic exam. State statutes related to sexual violence, domestic violence, and strangulation will be discussed. Additional legal topics include consent, patient reimbursement for exams, and mandated reporting. Participants will gain an understanding of the forensic nurse’s role in pretrial preparation and judicial proceedings, and receive information on the provision of effective courtroom testimony.

Coming soon! 

• Statistics: Sexual and Domestic Violence in Arizona
• National SANE Standards and Guidelines
  • National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations
  • SANE Education Guidelines
• Victim-Centered and Trauma-Informed Care
• Domestic Violence and Strangulation
• Coordinated Community Response
• Courtroom and Testimony Preparation
• Vicarious Trauma and Burnout
• Ethical Considerations in Forensic Nursing Practice

• http://www.forensicnurses.org/
• http://www.tribalforensichealthcare.org/
• http://www.safestar.net/
• Rebecca Campbell, “The Neurobiology of Sexual Assault” http://nij.gov/multimedia/presenter/presenter-campbell/pages/welcome.aspx

2015 SANE Certification Exam

• http://www.forensicnurses.org/?page=Certification
• SANE Certification Examination Handbook for 2015 (PDF)

2015 International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science and Practice