Predicting Attrition in a Statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Training Program

Area of Science:

• Forensic Nursing
• Healthcare Workforce Development

Background:

• A national shortage of sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) impacts post-assault care.
• Sexual assault medical forensic examinations are crucial healthcare services.
• A statewide training program was developed to address SANE workforce shortages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate attrition rates within a newly implemented SANE training program.
• To identify factors influencing SANE training completion.

Main Methods:

• Prospective trainees underwent an online application process.
• Applications assessed educational background, professional experience, motivations, barriers, and emotional readiness.
• Attrition was tracked throughout the didactic and clinical phases of the training.

Main Results:

• Out of 497 applicants, 254 enrolled, with 38% attrition before program completion.
• Higher attrition occurred during the didactic phase, especially after the physical examination module.
• Nurses perceiving unmet community SANE needs demonstrated higher completion rates.

Conclusions:

• Targeted instructional strategies and peer support may enhance SANE training completion.
• Addressing emotional intensity in training content is crucial.
• Understanding trainee motivations, like perceived community needs, can inform program design.