Wisconsin DOJ Forensic Nurse Education: Adult/Adolescent & Pediatric 64
This 64 hour course consists of 22 hours of self-paced webinars and finishes with 40 hours of in-person sessions.
Participants gain access to the self-paced modules upon registration and payment.
Fee- $125/person. Registration coming soon!
Overview of Forensic Nursing & Sexual Violence-Reviews the incidence, prevalence, and dynamics of sexual and interpersonal violence (IPV) with considerations of the impact on vulnerable populations. Discusses the history of forensic science in medicine, the evolution of forensic nursing, code of ethics and scope and standards of forensic nursing practice.
Trauma & Crisis Intervention-Taught by licensed Trauma Therapists who deal with sexual assault and IPV survivors, this section will cover the neurobiology of trauma, psychosocial responses to sexual violence and sequelae, and techniques and strategies for interacting with patients and families following a disclosure.
Collaborating with Community Agencies/ Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs)-Overview of SARTs (Sexual Assault Response Teams) and MDTs (Multidisciplinary Teams); roles and responsibilities of multidisciplinary members. Victim Advocates (community and systems based), Law Enforcement personnel (including Corrections/PREA Investigators), Prosecuting Attorneys, Forensic Scientists and Social Services will discuss their roles, as well as the Forensic Nurse and their role within the MDT. Strategies for collaboration and communication between disciplines will be covered.
Medical Forensic History Taking-Discusses the key components of a comprehensive medical forensic patient history, including a focused review of systems and sensitive questions about the assault history, and how this guides the forensic nurse’s plan of care and recommendations. Includes techniques for establishing rapport, trauma-informed interviewing, polyvictimization, and coordination of interviewing with Law Enforcement.
Observing and Assessing Physical Findings-Covers the components of a comprehensive head to toe physical assessment in sexual assault. Discusses the mechanical and physical trauma types, terminology, strangulation, and anogenital exam techniques (positioning, toluidine blue dye, hymen visualization techniques and structures, including when to refer. Normal variants and mimics.
Medical Forensic Photography-Discusses the practical concepts of forensic photography, informed consent, storage, confidentiality, legal issues, and peer review. Also addresses patient needs and considerations when photographing in these circumstances.
Evidence Collection -Review of the Wisconsin Crime Lab Sexual Assault Evidence Kit, including DFSA and other aspects and principles of evidence collection, chain of custody, use of alternative light source. Discusses the difference between patient and suspect evidence collection, and the legal authorizations needed for suspects, such as written consent, court order and search warrants. Patient options for evidence collection in the state of Wisconsin.
Sexually Transmitted Infections, Testing & Treatment; Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Care.-Prevalence and incidence in the state of Wisconsin and across the globe. Overview of common STIs, symptoms and mimics, addressing patient concerns and myths regarding transmission, treatment, and prophylaxis. Pregnancy rates post sexual assault and pregnancy testing methods and concepts for patient education surrounding these issues.
Medical-Forensic Documentation-Key concepts in accurate and unbiased documentation, event history, sources of evidence, objective vs subjective data. Forms, body maps/anatomic diagrams, storage, and confidentiality considerations.
Discharge & Follow Up Planning -Resources and multidisciplinary collaborative agencies to address specific safety, medical, forensic, and psychological needs of the patient.
Legal Considerations for Forensic Practice in Wisconsin: Judicial Proceedings -Covers issues of consent, mandatory reporting, EMTALA/Medical Screening Exams, confidentiality, Victim Accompaniment and Emergency Contraception statutes reviewed. In addition, reimbursement programs such as Crime Victim Compensation and the Wisconsin SAFE Fund (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam) Fund. Judicial proceedings and the forensic nurse’s role and expectations around courtroom testimony will be covered by experienced District Attorneys.
This activity has been submitted to the International Association of Forensic Nurses for approval to award contact hours. The International Association of Forensic Nurses is accredited as an approver of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Please call Susan Kanack, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, State SANE Coordinator at 414-750-5728 at the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Office of Crime Victim Services, for more information about contact hours.
The IAFN provides an online forum for SANE training. Options include 41-hour Adolescent/Adult training and 43-hour Pediatric/Adolescent training. Clinical skills may be available at sites throughout the US and Canada.
Midwest Regional Children’s Advocacy Centers mission is to provide children and families with highly-qualified professionals while improving community response to child abuse. They provides a 46.35 hour pediatric SANE class for those medical professionals seeking to provide forensic care to the pediatric population. Must have taken the adult SANE course prior to completing a pediatric course.