SANE Nurse

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a Registered Nurse specially trained to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care to patients who have experienced sexual assault, abuse, or violence. The SANE Nurse conducts forensic examinations, collects and preserves evidence, documents findings, provides appropriate medical screening and treatment, and collaborates with law enforcement, victim advocates, and healthcare providers within the Emergency Department while maintaining patient confidentiality and dignity. The nurse should demonstrate exceptional clinical judgment, compassionate patient-centered care, and adherence to all state, federal, and organizational regulations and protocols. 

• →Respond to requests for sexual assault examinations according to department and organizational protocols.
• →Obtain informed consent and explain all components of the forensic examination process.
• →Perform detailed patient assessment, history collection, and physical examination.
• →Collect, document, preserve, and maintain forensic evidence according to established chain-of-custody standards.
• →Perform forensic photography when indicated and authorized.
• →Document findings accurately, objectively, and thoroughly.
• →Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, patient education, and discharge instructions.
• →Assess for and facilitate treatment of injuries, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy prevention, and other medical needs consistent with provider orders and organizational protocols.
• →Coordinate care with Emergency Department physicians, advanced practice providers, victim advocates, law enforcement agencies, and community resources.
• →Participate in quality improvement activities and program development initiatives.
• →Maintain clinical competency through continuing education and ongoing training.
• →Adhere to all hospital policies, professional standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• →Perform other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of an Associate’s degree from an accredited school of Nursing required; BSN preferred.
• Completion of a SANE training program, required.
• SANE-A Certification, preferred.

• Active WA State or Multi-State RN license, required.
• Current BLS

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience performing SANE examinations and forensic evidence collection, preferred.
• Experience with Electronic Medical Records and paper forensic documentation.

• Knowledge of forensic nursing principles, evidence collection procedures, and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Ability to perform comprehensive sexual assault forensic examinations in accordance with established protocols.
• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making skills.
• Ability to provide compassionate, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care to patients of diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Knowledge of mandatory reporting laws and patient rights.
• Ability to work independently and respond effectively in emotionally challenging situations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in computer systems, electronic medical records, and forensic photography and documentation, as applicable.
• Demonstrates commitment to patient advocacy and ethical practice.

Quality. Through teamwork, we strive to continuously improve our quality of care and service.

Compassion. We are the caretakers of our community and we treat each patient, partner, and team member with a tender touch and an unparalleled level of care. 

Respect. We create a culture of respect by engaging professional staff who demonstrates respect for each other, our patients, and their families.

Collaboration. We seek healthy partnerships – both within and outside our walls – to build teams that deliver the highest quality of care.

Innovation. We embrace and integrate new ideas and technology to improve our community’s health and wellness.