Apr 28

What is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner?

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and many nurses in Memorial’s emergency services department are equipped with advanced training to support our community. Learn more from one of Memorial’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), Cat, pictured here with several of our SANEs.

Memorial is proud to have many nurses within the emergency department who have advanced training as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). Cat is our Emergency Services Coordinator/Educator, she’s been trained as a SANE since 2003, and she has been part of more than 100 cases. Memorial was the state’s pilot program for the SANE advanced training in 1999, and since that time, Memorial emergency nurses continue to seek this training in the care of sexual assault victims.

When asked what the benefits of having a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner available in the emergency department are, Cat shared, “They have advanced training and experience from taking part in a 40-hour class, including a demonstration of how to perform a kit and a mock court case, so our nurses are able to document medically what the justice system needs to know. This is a tool for the justice system to have more accurate information about what is presented during an exam.”

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners make an impact on our community every day. When asked about her impact, Cat continues, “Victims need to know they are not alone. There are many who have experienced shame and guilt. A person has a right to not be worried they will be attacked, and that no means no. The medical profession is here to assist and provide people what they need to help them medically and support them due to the emotional impact of an attack.”

Watch her recent interview with WLOX below.