The Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training Program

Author

Shantee HenryFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

First Advisor

Josie Doss PhD, MSN, RNC-OB

Second Advisor

Monica Ketchie DNP, CNM, ANP

Third Advisor

Jennifer Graham, Ed.D

Abstract

Sexual assault is a growing concern in the United States. Appropriate care of its survivors is essential to controlling the short and long-term effects of this trauma. A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse that acquires additional training specializing in the comprehensive care of sexual assault survivors. Research indicates that there are not enough SANEs to provide coverage for the increasing number of sexual assaults, especially in rural areas. To increase the number of certified SANEs in rural areas, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. government provided funds through a grant that was awarded to a university in middle Georgia. The focus of this paper is the design and evaluation of one portion of the SANE training program, the clinical skills immersion. Twenty-four trainees participated in the study to answer the question, “What is the effect of a 3-day clinical skills immersion on SANE participants’ knowledge, competence level, and self-efficacy?” A paired samples t-test revealed that there was no significant change in knowledge in a post-training exam (M = 55.3, SD = 6.24) compared to the same pre-training exam (M = 55.9, SD = 6.34), t (23) = 0.54, p = .592 (CI -1.87 – 3.20). Competence levels were all proficient or exceeded proficient. A paired samples t-test indicated a significant change in self-efficacy from baseline (M = 27.97, SD = 8.96) to post- training (M = 43.2, SD = 12.73), t (19) = -6.7, p < .001 (CI -19.98 - -10.47), based on an 8-item Likert scale survey of confidence with performing forensic nursing skills. Results of the knowledge scores may have been influenced by the construct of exam questions (select all that apply), and by differing state laws and practices.

Recommended Citation

Henry, Shantee, "The Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training Program" (2020). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects. 43.
https://kb.gcsu.edu/dnp/43