Sexual assault nurse examiners specialize in caring for victims of sexual assault and gathering evidence for prosecution. They undergo rigorous training and often work in emergency rooms. Rape kits are used to collect evidence, but they can take a long time to complete. Sexual assault nurse examiners are specially trained to complete rape kits and remain with the victim until completion. Laws governing their practice vary by jurisdiction.
A sexual assault nurse examiner specializes in caring for victims of sexual assault and in gathering evidence that can be used in pursuing and prosecuting their abusers. Nurses who serve as sexual assault nurse examiners undergo rigorous training in forensic nursing and sexual assault issues. They often work in emergency rooms and other medical settings where victims of sexual assault are likely to be treated. In the course of their work, they typically complete a rape kit as part of their care for victims and may be called upon to testify in court about their findings.
In many areas, including the United States, laws often require that the collection of evidence of sexual assault take place in hospital emergency rooms. Emergency rooms are equipped with so-called rape kits, which include various receptacles for collecting physical evidence from the body of a rape victim. When victims of sexual assault are brought to hospital, they are treated for any injuries sustained during the assault and are also offered the option of the rape kit, so that evidence can be preserved for use by the police. Rape kits can take a long time to complete, which presents difficulties in an emergency setting where doctors and nurses are often needed to treat urgent medical situations. A traumatized rape victim may need to wait many hours before receiving treatment, and the completion of the rape kit can often be interrupted as doctors and nurses are called to attend to seriously ill or injured patients.
Out of concern for the well-being of victims of sexual assault, the role of the sexual assault nurse examiner was developed. These nurses receive special training in completing rape kits, forensic medical equipment, and other medical issues specific to sexual assault trauma. In many hospitals, a sexual assault nurse examiner is always on call to treat victims brought to the hospital. When the sexual assault nurse examiner begins working with the victim, he or she remains with the victim until the rape kit and any necessary treatment is completed.
Laws governing the practice of a sexual assault nurse examiner vary by jurisdiction, with some restricting sexual assault nurse examiners to working with adult victims unless they have received specific training in pediatric nursing. Laws may also restrict a sexual assault nurse examiner’s ability to diagnose specific conditions, unless the examining nurse is a licensed professional nurse. Nurse examiners are often regarded as expert witnesses in court, and if the case of one of their patients goes to trial, they will be asked to testify to their findings.
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