Nurses certified to assist victims of sexual assault

Thankfully, most will never experience the trauma of sexual assault. But, for those who do, the trauma often continues beyond the actual assault.
ETMC Gilmer hopes to ease the trauma for sexual assault survivors in Upshur and surrounding counties beginning Feb. 1 when the hospital initiates its sexual assault nurse examiner program.
The SANE program in Gilmer eliminates the need for survivors to travel for miles to be seen by medical professionals specially trained to provide the care and treatment they need and to properly collect evidence needed by law enforcement.
“Over the past several years, we have seen the incidence of sexual assault increase in Upshur, Wood and surrounding counties,” said Jorge Leal, FACHE, administrator at ETMC Gilmer.
“We often see these survivors in our emergency department. Our team members have watchedthese men, women and children wait and then be transported to Longview or farther to be treated, prolonging their trauma. We saw the need to provide this care locally and we determined to do something to improve the situation.”
Four registered nurses at ETMC Gilmer—Shirlina Lucas, RN, SANE coordinator; Jodi Jones, RN, trauma/stroke coordinator; Jan Loya, RN; and Brandy May, RN--have completed the more than 240 hours of coursework and clinical requirements needed to earn certification from the state to conduct SANE exams for survivors of adult, adolescent and pediatric sexual assault. The four received their SANE certifications in January.
“The dedication needed to complete the SANE training is a testimony to each nurse’s personal commitment to helping sexual assault survivors in our community,” said Teri Curington, RN, MSN, emergency department director at ETMC Gilmer. “Each of these nurses has a proven track record of professional accomplishment and has proven herself in critical situations.”
 

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