The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
- The SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) is a registered professional nurse who provides exemplary specialized, trauma-informed medical forensic services to all individuals who presents with a complaint or concern of sexual assault. These services will be prompt, non-judgmental and compassionate while encouraging autonomy and reducing psychological trauma. The medical forensic services may include a medical forensic exam and evidence collection, counseling for emergency contraception, prophylactic treatment for sexually transmitted infections, photo documentation, and referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up, support and participation in legal proceedings.
Responsibilities:
- Acts autonomously following the professional standards as outlined by the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA), the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, the International Association of Forensic Nurses Scope and Standards of Practice, and unit specific protocols appropriate to the patient population served.
- Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team, including SANE coordinator, providers, imaging and therapeutic services to facilitate care of sexual assault survivor.
- Maintains documentation standards with accurate, timely and complete recording and reporting to ensure compliance with SASETA.
- Maintains appropriate survivor privacy and chain of custody for all evidence collected, including Illinois State Police Evidence Collection Kit (ISPECK).
- Remains up to date on current regulatory and legislative guidelines related to treatment and documentation standards for sexual assault survivors.
- Educates survivors and their families to meet their emotional and healthcare needs to aid in the recovery process.
- Performs assigned work safely, adhering to established departmental safety rules and practices, reports to supervisor, in a timely manner, any unsafe activities, conditions, hazards, or safety violations that may cause injury to oneself, other employees, patients and/or visitors.
- Testifies in court as a fact witness and/or expert and assists other SANEs in preparing for court proceedings.
- Provides a learning atmosphere by sharing knowledge with coworkers; participates in orientation of new staff by providing content relevant to caring for sexual assault survivors.
- Supports continuous quality improvement efforts designed to enhance patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and improve the overall care of sexual assault survivors
- Ensures professional growth and development by participating in and utilizing current evidence-based information and keeping current with standards in Forensic and SANE nursing practice.
- Maintains required medical and forensic continuing education requirements per current regulatory or legislative guidelines.
- Participates in goal setting, program development and evaluation of the regional and system-wide SANE programs.
- Attends monthly SANE meetings and participates in peer review.