Forensic Nursing Program:

• Forensic Nurses at The Turning Point are Registered Nurses or Advanced Practice Nurses who provide specialized medical care to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The Forensic Nurse provides comprehensive and compassionate medical care to the survivor.

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• All of the Forensic Nurses at The Turning Point are certified Sexual Assault Nurses for Adult/Adolescent and Pediatric patients through the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Several of the Forensic Nurses are certified through the International Association of Forensic Nurses, as well. The specialized training is a very rigorous process for the initial certification. All Forensic Nurses must participate in continuing education and chart reviews to maintain their certification. The Forensic Nurses complete the medical forensic examinations, provide referrals for the survivors, and they also provide expert testimony in court.​

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• The medical forensic examination consists of: Consent, throughout the examination, medical history taking, assault history taking, a head-to-toe physical assessment with or without evidence collection (including Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault, when needed), and with or without photography, medication administration, and providing a safe discharge.

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• Research has shown that the post-assault care administered by Forensic Nurses increases the reporting rates, prosecution rates, and decreases the incidences of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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If you are interested in receiving information regarding the Clinical Skills Lab training offered at The Turning Point, please contact Amy Chennault at achennault@theturningpoint.org 

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​If you are interested in becoming a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in Texas the requirements are listed below:

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• Current and unencumbered RN license with the Texas Board of Nursing

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as an RN

• Complete the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Didactic Training for Adult/Adolescent and Pediatric Courses

• ​Requirements to complete within 2 years of your didactic training:​

  • Basic Clinical Requirements:​

    • ​10 Pelvic Examinations​​

    • 20  Well-Child Examinations

  • Advanced Clinical Requirements

    • CA-SANE – 8 Adult/Adolescent Acute Medical Forensic Examinations with the use of an evidence collection kit

      • (2) of the examinations can be simulations.​

    • CP- SANE- 10 Pediatric Medical Forensic Examinations

      • (6) examinations MUST be of the prepubescent patient.​

      • (1) adolescent examination can be a simulation.

    • CA-CPSANE - 18 Adult/Adolescent Acute Medical Forensic

      • (8) Adult/Adolescent examinations​

        • 6 examinations must be acute.​

        • 2 of the examinations can be simulations

      • (10) Pediatric examinations

        • ​6 examinations MUST be of the prepubescent patient.​

        • 1 adolescent examination can be a simulation.

  •  Courtroom Observation​

    • 12 hours of in-person courtroom observation of a sexual assault case or a criminal case.​

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If you are interested in becoming a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, please contact Amy Chennault at achennault@theturningpoint.