Advanced Nurse EducationâSexual Nurse Assault Examiner Program
Fostering a Community of Practice in Trauma-Informed Care
At the heart of our mission is a Community of Practice committed to enhancing the skills, retention, and well-being of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). This initiative recognizes the vital role SANEs play in providing survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence with high-quality, trauma-informed care.
What Our Community of Practice Aims to Achieve
The TAMIU-SANE Program Community of Practice is committed to a Trauma-Informed Care approach.We aim to increase the number of trained and certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) while expanding access to SANE training opportunities. We strive to enhance access to sexual assault forensic examinations, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and create an environment that supports SANE training, practice, and retention. By enhancing the presence of SANEs in the U.S.-Mexico Border region, we seek to improve treatment and health outcomes for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. We collaborate with and support both new and experienced SANEs, as well as institutions and communities, to ensure comprehensive care for those in need.
How You Can Get Involved
We invite you to join our Community of Practice and take advantage of the robust support systems we offer:
About TAMIU-SANE
The TAMIU-SANE Program continues to improve health care access for survivors of sexual assault through a $1.47 million competing continuation grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The continuation grant focuses on Adult and Adolescent CA-SANE, Pediatric CP-SANE, Dual SANE CA-CP SANE, and Adult and Adolescent as well as Pediatric Renewal Certification Opportunities.
Financial Assistance & Mentorship for SANE Trainees
Up to $9,000 in financial assistance is available to cover aspects of SANE training. Over the next three years, we aim to certify 54 registered nurses across pediatric and adult/adolescent populations, as well as support current SANEs in renewing their certifications.
Financial Support & Resources for Certified SANEs
Receive up to $5,000 in financial support tailored to your training and mentorship needs. Our mentorship program fosters connections among SANEs while enhancing skills and well-being.
Professional Development Support for Experienced SANEs
Up to $10,000 is available for ongoing professional development, including trauma-informed case simulations and mentoring novice SANEs. We prioritize retention through networking, case reviews, and technical assistance
Support for Local Health Care Facilities
We will provide medical equipment to institutions in the U.S. Mexico Border region, helping ensure that SANEs can deliver trauma-informed care and trainees can connect with experienced professionals.
Community Impact
Sexual and domestic violence are pressing issues in Laredo and beyond, with disparities based on geographic location. By promoting education and access to trauma-informed care, including SANE services, we can significantly improve health outcomes for survivors.
Testimonials
Participants share how the TAMIU-SANE program offers flexibility and access to SANE experts, mental health training and financial support.
Q&A #1*
“The program itself is tailored to help us complete it. Most of the program is a didactic online. We do a lot of the training person-to-person, but it’s around the schedule that we work on, so it’s very flexible.”
–Raymundo Arredondo
Q&A #2*
“What I like most about the TAMIU-SANE program is all the availability of resources that there is. We are never alone in this process.”
–Americo Gonzalez
*The production of these audiovisuals was supported by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number 2T96HP32498-07-00 and title Advanced Nurse Education-Sexual Nurse Assault Examiner Program (Texas A&M International University-SANE Project) for grant amount $1.47 million. This content is solely the responsibility of the Grantee, TAMIU-SANE Project, and does not necessarily represent the official views of HRSA.
Denise Alvarez
“I felt when this opportunity came up, I had to jump on board to help, so that way we can help our community here in Laredo.”
Amy Guerra
“With TAMIU, it was a great opportunity. As nurses, you should always be seeking more experience, different opportunities for you. Here with TAMIU, there’s no cost to us for us to do this.”
Award
We express our gratitude for the support from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
HRSA Award # 2T96HP32498-07.
For more information about CoP,
Please contact the TAMIU-SANE Program, reach out to TAMIU-SANE program manager Rosario Benavides at maria.benavides@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2575
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number 2T96HP32498-07-00 and title Advanced Nurse Education-Sexual Nurse Assault Examiner Program (TAMIU-SANE Project) for grant amount $ 1.47 million. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.