Recognition awarded by Cumberland River Victim Services.
LONDON — Saint Joseph London’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program has been recognized by Cumberland River Victim Services for its commitment to providing patient-centered care to victims of sexual assault. A program of Cumberland River Behavioral Health, the sexual assault crisis and counseling center serves southeastern Kentucky through regional advocacy, education, and therapy services to support survivors and promote prevention.
In 2016 the Kentucky legislature passed a bill establishing SANE-ready designation for acute care hospitals that have a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) on call around the clock.
The Kentucky Hospital Association started the SANE-Ready certification program in 2016. Saint Joseph London was first certified in 2016 and has maintained this certification every year since. Saint Joseph London is one of only 25 hospitals in Kentucky, and the only one in southeastern Kentucky, designated as SANE-ready, according to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
SANE nurses provide sexual assault survivors quality, compassionate, patient-centered, and trauma-informed care in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault. SANE nurses receive a specialized credential issued by the Kentucky Board of Nursing after receiving training in forensic examination of adults and adolescents to collect and preserve evidence of assault. They also testify in legal proceedings in accordance with Kentucky law.
Saint Joseph’s London’s emergency team includes registered nurses who have received this specialized training and education in providing compassionate, forensic care to victims of sexual assault. The SANE program requires 40 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours which are submitted to KBN for licensure – CEUs are required every year for relicensure.
“The SANE certification recognizes our ability to provide around-the-clock response for sexual assault victims,” said Lori M. Coots, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, SANE, EMT-P, market director of emergency services. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing patients with the support and the appropriate treatment they need after an assault. We are the first step in someone’s journey to healing.”
A hospital spokesperson says that thankfully, they have not had a large number of patients requiring this care, but specialized care provided through this program has made an impactful difference for the patients who required it.
There is a challenge for staffing the SANE program 24/7/365. Saint Joseph London currently has four licensed SANE nurses who rotate call with two more nurses in training. Saint Joseph London is the only SANE program at Saint Joseph Health in Kentucky, but the goal is for all seven system hospitals with emergency departments serving communities in central and southeastern Kentucky to obtain certification, said the hospital spokesperson.
“With a mission founded in serving and healing the most vulnerable, we’re here for you and remain committed to providing advanced, timely and trauma-informed care to support and prioritize the needs of survivors,” said Melissa Bennett, DHA, FACHE, chief nursing officer, Saint Joseph Health. “This program is one more way we are improving health and wellness for our patients, families and communities in the southeastern Kentucky area.”
To learn more about Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) credential requirements and training programs in the state of Kentucky, visit www.kbn.ky.gov/sexual-assault-nurse-examiner.