The Forensic Nurse

Just a reminder to those of you who have or are planing to signup for the SANE-A training course in May 2009. There is a exam testing date on October 25. 2009 in Atlanta.  This is immedately following the 17th Annual Scientific Assembly  of the IAFN.

Current Exam sites:

The IAFN, has selected Atlanta GA for its 2009 Annual Scientific Assembly. This event is held each year around the country to help spread the word about forensic nursing and give participants and exhibitors the opportunity to network and learn more about the latest trends and best practices for Forensic Nursing.

This four day event will be held on October 21-24, 2009.

For Hotel information in the area or flight arrangements: http://www.findnearbyhotels.com/DESTINATIONS/Atlanta_GA_US/

Northside Hospital Forsyth is also offering a 5day / 40 hour SANE-A training class in May 2009.

While most people in the industry know the acronym IAFN, as the International Association of Forensic Nurses, is also as a same industry acronym “Imaging And Forensic Networking“. This phrase was coined by the SDFI Telemedicine group. SDFI stands for Secure Digital Forensic Imaging.

The SDFI camara system is meant to be a colposcope replacement, offering increased clarity, file encryption, and secure sharing of images across organizations.

The IAFN, has  just announced two new regional chapters were formed. One in Northwest Florida, and the other in Illinois.

 These two new chapters do not currently have established websites that we have found, but once they do, we will be sure to update everyone with the proper information.

If you would like information about the Northwest Florida chapter, contact Lynda Tiefel.  Information about the Illinois chapter, contact Patricia Metzler.

Often I hear the question, “how do I become a forensic nurse?”. There are many sexual assault centers around the country, and even around the world. But not all of them offer the same standards of care.

Lets say you wanted to remodel your basement. You could open the phone book and find a wide array of contractors who would happily come and try to meet your needs. Some of them are licensed, bonded, and insured….and others…..well they try their best.

When it comes to sexual assault victims services you may find yourself in a similar situation. Depending on where you live, there may be a full service facility with fully trained and certified SANE’s, counciling services, advocates and more. 

It is also quite possible that you have no formalized services at all. in several areas (counties, cities, etc) of the country do not recognize SANE expertise. A lot of this has to do with the expierence that local district attorneys and law enforcement have had with others who may or may not have had any formalized training at all.

Although the IAFN has served as an example of standards of care, there is no regulating body that makes sure these standards are taught and  mandated for nursing sexual assault practice. Forensic Nursing is now recognized by the ANA as a specific dicipline these days, but the formalized standards of care vary greatly from facility to facility. 

There are many facilities that allow nurses without any forensic nursing credientials or formalized training to practice as a sexual assault nurse.  This variance in education and training often leads to botched cases, misleading or inaccurate collection of data, and is detremental to the SANE cause. 

Part of what makes a forensic nurse such a valuable tool for law enforcement, district attorneys, and their patients is adhering to a standard of care. Allowing nurses to practice as a SANE, without giving them the tools they need to succeed is harmful to SANEs everywhere, and worse yet to the patient.

Failure to properly follow a standard of care, and the established rules of evidence collection could very easily lead to the rapist going free or even the wrong person being arrested. Rape and Sexual Assault touches lives forever.

Over the last few years more and more convictions are being overturned because of faulty evidence collection or DNA. We owe it to our patients, and we owe it to the accused to make sure that we get it right.

The IAFN does allow for the re-take of the certification exam. below is an excerpt from their website regarding the re-examination process.

A candidate who does not pass the examination has one year to re-take the examination at a reduced fee.  The fee is $150 for IAFN members and $275 for nonmembers. A candidate who does not pass the second examination is considered failed.  Any repeat examination will require completion of a new application and payment of the full fee.A total score of approximately 75% correct is required to pass the certification examination.  Candidates will be notified of their scores approximately four (4) weeks after test administration. C-NET will forward all examination scores to the candidate as follows: 1.     A total score will be provided for candidates        who successfully pass the examination. 2.     A total score and sub-scores in all the major        test areas of concentration will be provided for        candidates who do not pass the examination.

Forensic Nursing has been around for many years now, but it wasn’t until 2002 when the Forensic Nursing Certification Board officially came into being. Its’ mission: “to promote the highest standards of forensic nursing practice through the development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of all aspects of the certification and recertification process”.

The Forensic Nursing Certification Board, or FBCB offers certifications of SANE-A and SANE-P. SANE-A and SANE-P are the earned credentials which recognize that the highest standards of forensic nursing for sexual assault nurse examiners has been achieved. Nurse Examiners can become certified by meeting eligibility requirements and successfully completing the SANE-A or SANE-P examination. Re-certification is available by examination or documented continuing education over the three year period.

Friday, May 16, 2008 (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)

Event Web Address: www.forensicconsultofeasttn.com
Event Sponsor: Forensic Consultants of East TN

Contact Person: Vicki Sickau
Contact Phone Number: (865) 202-7044
Contact Email: vsickau@forensicconsultofeasttn.com

Event CEUs: Yes
Event Fee: $175.00

Training Event?: Yes

Description: How to collect evidence and other tips for how to practice forensics in your nursing practice. Basic course for those that are not experienced in forensics or for those that need some refreshing.

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