Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 12, 2025

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma FAST Exam: Image Acquisition

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma FAST Exam: Image Acquisition

Published on: September 22, 2023

Exploring How Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Practise Trauma-Informed Care

Suzanne Poldon¹, Lenora Duhn¹, Pilar Camargo Plazas¹

¹Author Affiliations:School of Nursing.

Journal of Forensic Nursing

|November 22, 2021

Abstract

Background:

Sexual violence is a term describing sexual acts where consent is not freely given. Registered nurses employed as sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) provide care to address the medical and legal needs of victims/survivors of sexual violence. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach recommended when caring for individuals who have experienced trauma.

Purpose:

The study purpose was to understand how SANEs incorporate trauma-informed approaches in the care of adult and postpubescent adolescent victims/survivors of sexual violence.

Methods:

Eight SANEs were purposively recruited to participate in online semistructured interviews. Interview data were analyzed using qualitative interpretive description.

Results:

Six themes emerged from the analysis: (a) the importance of understanding the patient's experience; (b) personalized connection: developing a safe nurse-patient relationship; (c) choice: the framework of how we do things; (d) rebuilding strengths and skills to support healing and posttraumatic growth; (e) a wonderful way to practise: facilitators and benefits of trauma-informed practice; and (f) challenges to trauma-informed practice.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate the perceived value of TIC and the need for enhanced support of providers who deliver TIC. More research is warranted to strengthen the evidence about trauma-informed practice in SANE programs and across healthcare settings.

More Related Videos

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

Published on: February 16, 2011

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch

Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch

The history of therapeutic communication can be traced back to Florence Nightingale, who emphasized the importance of developing trusting relationships with patients. She taught that the presence of nurses with patients results in therapeutic healing.
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...

Nurses' Legal Responsibilities II

Nurses' Legal Responsibilities II

Establishing a secure, collaborative nurse-patient relationship is crucial for delivering high-quality care. This relationship, founded on trust, respect, and honesty, enhances the patient's comfort and willingness to share vital health information. For example, a nurse who listens actively and without judgment provides clear information about health conditions and treatment options and respects patient decisions, which builds a trusting relationship.
Communication between nurses and...

Ethical Standards II

Ethical Standards II

Ethical standards are the backbone of nursing practice, guiding nurses as they interact with patients, families, and colleagues. These standards are crucial for providing safe, empathetic care centered on the patient's needs.
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy...

Ethical Standards I

Ethical Standards I

The American Nurses Association (ANA) created and implemented the first nationally accepted Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. The Code of Ethics is a living document regularly updated by the ANA and establishes an ethical standard that is non-negotiable for nurses in all roles and settings.
The Code of Ethics provisions outline the nurse's duty to the patient, the healthcare team, the profession, and society. The Code's fundamental principles include advocacy,...

Nurses' Legal Responsibilities III

Nurses' Legal Responsibilities III

Nurse-to-nurse relationships are legally required to adhere to professional standards, ensuring a respectful and positive working environment. Professional conduct demands that nurses treat all colleagues respectfully and courteously, fostering a productive, supportive workplace. Nurses must actively eliminate bullying, discrimination, and harassment to maintain a safe and inclusive environment.
Cultivating a culture of collaboration and mutual respect among nurses transcends mere enhancement...

Accountability and Responsibility of a Nurse II

Accountability and Responsibility of a Nurse II

Professional accountability in nursing is a multifaceted concept that encompasses professional ethics, legal standards, and employment expectations. This framework ensures that nurses maintain and elevate the quality of care while upholding the values of their profession. It compels them to treat patients, families, and colleagues with respect, compassion, and integrity.
For example, a nurse demonstrating respect and compassion might listen attentively to a patient's concerns, provide...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Determining the Impact of a Physiotherapist-Led Primary Care Model for Hip and Knee Pain: Protocol and Analysis Plan for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial With Process Evaluation.

JMIR research protocols·2026

From knowledge to action: Participatory research methods to create an action plan for healthier communities.

PloS one·2026

"It's a big, round circle of knowledge to me. I don't know how else to explain it": strengthening cultural identity through Indigenous placekeeping and food sovereignty practices in Kingston, Ontario.

AlterNative (Auckland, N.Z. : 2005)·2026

Advancing Prosthetic Care Access on the Thailand-Burma Border Through Open-Source Technology.

IEEE pulse·2026

"It Shouldn't Be This Hard": Women's Experiences Accessing Health Care While Living With a Low Income.

Qualitative health research·2026

Determining the Impact of a Physiotherapist-Led Primary Care Model for Low Back Pain: Protocol and Analysis Plan for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial and Embedded Process Evaluation.

JMIR research protocols·2026

See all related articles