text: Those curious about becoming SANE nursing professionals may have some questions about the accrediting organization.
  IAFN is an international membership organization that seeks to promote the forensic nursing professionals’ work and elevate the standards of practice in this important field. Additionally, IAFN advocates for those who need forensic nursing care to have easy access to it. According to its mission statement, IAFN ultimately hopes to see “a world without violence” and a “commitment to social justice.”
  Naturally, working with victims of violence and abuse can be emotionally challenging; at the same time, having the chance to help people during a time of intense need can be very satisfying, personally and professionally. Indeed, the forensic nurse job description can be broad and multifaceted. What does a SANE nurse do, precisely?
  Let’s consider the SANE nurse job description’s clinical side. What does a SANE nurse do to advance the physical health and well-being of victims of abuse?
  A SANE nurse will meet with victims of abuse to provide basic triage. Through a brief medical evaluation, the SANE nurse will determine whether the patient needs an emergency intervention or more specialized medical care.
  A SANE nurse will conduct a forensic examination of the patient, cataloging evidence of physical or sexual abuse that may be used in a court case or police proceedings. Additionally, the SANE nurse will conduct a forensic interview, asking the victim about the incident(s) of abuse.
  During the forensic examination, the SANE nurse may be required to collect specimens and DNA samples, take photographs of bruises and other injuries, and conduct a detailed genital examination.
  The SANE nurse’s primary goal is to ensure that the patient receives the necessary medical care and to provide guidance and support throughout any required treatments.
  To summarize, the SANE nurse is responsible for fully understanding abuse’s physical manifestations and ensuring that patients receive whatever treatments and care are required for a full recovery.
  In addition to providing clinical diagnosis, forensic examinations and medical treatment, SANE nurses may offer important legal support and general advocacy. For example, the SANE nurse job description may include the following:
  Maintaining the chain of custody for sexual assault examinations and adhering to all legal guidelines regarding evidence obtainment, documentation, and storage
  Finally, because they can speak credibly and directly to abuse’s physical and mental health effects, SANE nurses may also be powerful public champions for victims’ rights.
  For those who are drawn to nursing and who feel passionate about advocating for victims of abuse, pursuing SANE nurse certification may be desirable. Crucially, those who wish to receive this designation must seek additional training and education, above and beyond what’s required to become an RN. Specifically, SANE nurses must develop the skill set required to diagnose abusive behavior’s physical and mental health effects and provide the level of compassionate care and medical advocacy that patients require.
  In terms of how to become a SANE nurse, the first step is to get a foundational nursing education. Specifically, aspiring SANE nursing professionals are encouraged to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and then, after passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), to seek work as an RN. This is the minimum education level required to become a forensic nurse and an important foundation for those who desire SANE certification.
  SANE nurses must be skilled in providing direct clinical care to victims of abuse; often they must diagnose and treat patients who are experiencing great mental distress. As such, SANE nurses must have some basic clinical competencies, which they can only really acquire by working as an RN for a few years. (SANE requires two years of RN experience.)
  While an advanced nursing degree isn’t required to be eligible for SANE certification, APNs will naturally bring more clinical experience and specialized training to the table; as such, they may sometimes be more competitive in the job market and command higher salaries. Those wondering how to become a SANE nurse should consider the advantages of a master’s degree or a post-master’s certificate program.
  Nurses with the requisite RN experience may sign up for IAFN’s online didactic course. Next, they may sign up for a preceptorship in which they develop key clinical skills under a certified SANE professional.