LOGAN – Hocking Valley Community Hospital is pleased to announce three additional nurses have become SANE certified.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses who have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in the medical forensic care of a patient who has experienced sexual assault or abuse.
Anita Thompson, Denika Thompson and Tia Anders traveled to Martin’s Ferry, Ohio, over the course of five Mondays to complete their 40 hours of training. They voluntarily chose to become SANE certified to become better equipped on how to manage extremely difficult situations in the Emergency Department.
“Our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners provide emotional support and reassure victims that they are in a safe, secure environment where people care and are trained to help in their crisis,” Michelle Matheny, Emergency Department Director, said. “They strive to assure that the response to a patient who has been sexually assaulted is victim-centered and compassionate, resulting in a successful criminal justice response.”
One component of the streamlined care the SANE can offer is the comprehensive medical forensic examination. This exam at its broadest is composed of the medical forensic history, a detailed physical and emotional assessment, written/electronic and photographic documentation, collection and management of forensic samples, and providing emotional and social support and resources.
The SANE may also testify in any legal proceedings related to the examination and ensures the proper chain of custody and integrity of the samples is maintained so that the evidence will be admissible in court.
The SANE often collaborates with other disciplines in the community who provide unique services to sexual assault victims. These may include: advocates, law enforcement, crime lab personnel, child protection and attorneys.
HVCH will now have a total of four SANE nurses on staff and available to respond to crisis situations; the other SANE nurse is Paige Gillogy.
Hocking Valley is a community non-profit hospital with an emergency department, urgent care and a wide variety of clinical, specialty and outpatient services. For more information, contact the Community Relations office at (740) 380-8154.