Edwin Chiquito Jacome, “Addressing Challenges in Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Retention Through Trauma-Informed Training”
Mentor: Peninnah Kako, Nursing, Nursing (School of)
Poster #112
Sexual Assault Examiners (SANEs) play a vital role in delivering trauma-informed and culturally accurate care to survivors of sexual violence, yet sustaining their practice remains a persistent challenge. In Wisconsin, where approximately one in seven women experience rape in their lifetime, marginalized survivors, particularly American Indigenous and Black women in both rural and urban areas, are disproportionately affected by gaps in Wisconsin’s sexual assault (SA) services. Increasing the risk of secondary trauma due to lack of access to forensic nursing care. The demand for SANE’s far surpasses their availability. While many nurses obtain a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner certification, a significant number do not remain in the specialty long-term. This qualitative study aims to understand how education impacts the preparedness of nursing and care to minoritized populations, nurses, and the anticipation of practice challenges. Data was collected from nurses who participated in the SANE program using one-on-one interviews or focus groups. Thematic analysis of narratives from interviews with seven nurses who received certifications from the University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin (UWM) SANE training was completed. Themes identified included: Lack of mentorship, continued learning, support during career transitions as well as insufficient legal preparedness, and a structured post-training. Nurses also reported experiencing emotional strain in their roles, navigating ethical dilemmas, and facing systemic issues specific to the role itself, including challenges with institutional support and awareness. Initial findings suggest that better understanding of the complex issues SANEs face and targeting those complex issues in training may improve sustainability of SANE workforce. Addressing emotional strain, ethical dilemmas, and systemic barriers could enhance retention and provision of better trauma-informed care.