Job Summary
A SART/SANE RN is a registered nurse with special training who helps care for victims of sexual assault as part of a coordinated community team.
What a SANE RN Does
Responsible for the medical-forensic assessment and examination for adolescent and adult patients reporting a history of interpersonal violence, such as sexual assault or domestic violence. Accountable for the delivery of quality nursing care to this population according to the individualized needs of the patient by utilizing the nursing process, approved scope and standards, and in accordance with the Alaska Nurse Practice Act. RN must be competent to assess and analyze patient information and history with an understanding of the cognitive, physical, cultural, emotional/psychological, spiritual, and chronological maturation process. RN must function within an environment of crisis involving sensitive interpersonal violence issues, often in conjunction with physical trauma, psychological trauma, and substance use. Accepts and promotes professional development as an integral part of evidence based nursing practice. Responsible to work in collaboration with law enforcement and advocacy agencies to provide quality services to all clients who present to the facility. RN develops and maintains good working relationships with team members to ensure the team response is patient centered and sensitive. Reports to the Registered Nurse/SART Coordinator and Educator or designee.
Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university and have a current Alaska licensure as a Registered Nurse. ACLS preferred; must be willing to get ACLS training within 90 days of hire. Current SANE-A and/or SANE-P certification preferred; must be willing to get SANE-A certification within 18 months of hire. Ability to lift up to up to 70 pounds and spend long periods of time standing or walking. May be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous materials. Must be able to pass the annual core competencies assigned to the unit. Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
- Need a SART/SANE RN that can do adult and pediatric cases.
- Guaranteed 40 hours a week. Usually M-F 8-5. Then on call as needed. We have a few RN’s that take SART on call.
- SANE stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. This is a registered nurse who completed extra training to perform medical exams, treat injuries, offer emergency medicine, and collect physical evidence after an assault.
- SART stands for Sexual Assault Response Team. This is the group of different professionals—including nurses, doctors, victim advocates, law enforcement, and legal teams—who work together to support the patient and handle cases safely and fairly
- Provides Trauma-Informed Care: Treats patients with compassion, respect, and a focus on emotional safety.
- Performs Medical Exams: Looks for, treats, and documents physical injuries or trauma.
- Collects Evidence: Gathers physical or DNA evidence using a secure collection kit, if the patient agrees.
- Prevents Infections and Pregnancy: Offers emergency contraception and preventative treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Provides Support and Testimony: Connects survivors with local advocates and gives expert testimony in court when needed.
- PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Respond to patients reporting a history of interpersonal violence’s in conjunction with team members from law enforcement and advocacy agencies.
- Complete a medical history with patients to obtain a bio/psycho/social/spiritual history, including a history of the events leading up to reporting for care.
- Perform the medical-forensic exam utilizing program protocols. Procedures and treatments will be performed according to accepted department standards and protocols approved by the Medical Staff.
- Perform lab testing for patients based on the medical-forensic history provided by the patient. This may include collection of samples for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and substance use.
- Utilize the State of Alaska’s Forensic Evidence Collection Kit to collect, process, and maintain the chain of custody for forensic samples.
- Document the medical-forensic exam process and findings using department specific charting. Documentation may be completed through the use of written, diagrammatic, and/or photographic means.
- Communicate medical-forensic exam findings with the patient and provide patient education based on the patient history, medical-forensic exam findings, diagnosis and treatment as needed. Develops the discharge plan of care with the patient and team members to ensure that both the medical and legal needs of the patient are met.
- Provide patient referrals as needed for continuation of healthcare.
- Communicate with team members the observations and findings related to the medical-forensic exam.
- Provide testimony, fact or expert, in court regarding patient care and medical-forensic exam findings.
- Perform follow-up exams as determined by patient needs and program protocols.
- Maintain clinical contact with patients including notifying patients of laboratory results, follow-up appointments, maintaining charts and records, and responding to patient telephone calls.
- Participate in ongoing case review, peer review and quality assurance.
- Implements care/services that recognize age/diversity specific needs/issues of customers served.
- Observe all legal requirements related to mandatory reporting.
- Participate in review and revision of program policies and procedures, medical protocols, and quality assurance requirements.
- Performs other related duties as required.
- Schedule varies to meet department needs. Must be able to work on-call.
- MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: