Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners support patients in their lowest moments

With a background in psychology and experience as a pediatric floor nurse, Colleen Kroll decided to pursue training as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in 2013.

“I thought it would be a good mesh of both worlds — to have nursing skills and to help someone with an emotional crisis,” shared Kroll, a two-time West Virginia University School of Nursing graduate.

“It is incredibly emotional work, but it’s also being able to help people at their lowest point.”

To become either a pediatric or adolescent/adult SANE, applicants must have two years of nursing experience and a bachelor’s degree. They must also complete a didactic course, additional training, and observations in a clinical setting.

As part of her training, Kroll said she learned a lot about cultural beliefs about victims of sexual assault. She said she found it both eye-opening and disturbing.

“It’s incredibly powerful to be supportive for patients in the moment, to help break some of those cultural barriers that are set up,” she said. “People come in and have some much guilt around the fact that they were a victim. What you were wearing doesn’t mean anything. Drinking, or being friendly or flirting, does not mean that you consent to sexual encounters.”

Many patients have a lot of guilt associated with their experience. But Kroll and other SANEs hope to be as supportive as possible as they address the forensic and medical needs.

“Being able to help them in the moment, to provide very compassionate care to address some of those myths around assault can jumpstart their healing process,” Kroll shared.

Nurses who take on this emotionally challenging work want to help others. But in many facilities, a full-time SANE is not on staff. Kroll said many people become SANEs in addition to their full-time work, and they are often on-call during all hours.

“It’s a lot in addition to your current job. You really have to have that passion.”

She encourages people to consider supporting the important work of SANEs. Through financial support for continuing education, more nurses who are doing this specialized care can have the appropriate resources they need.

To show support of this work, the 6th Annual Champagne for SANEs event will be held Thursday, April 28 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Table 9, located at 40 Donley St. in Morgantown. Attendees can enjoy delicious dinner specials and signature cocktails while bidding on auction items and learning about the cause.

This fundraiser is sponsored by the WVU Council for Gender Equity and benefits the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services' Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner's Fund (WVFRIS SANE Fund). These funds are utilized to train nurses and provide practicum skills workshops for SANEs who conduct sexual assault evidentiary exams for victims of sexual assault in WV.

To learn more, contact Amanda Ray at amanda.ray.law@gmail.com.