TAMIU-SANE Program to hold Boot Camp at TAMIU for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners April 25 - 26
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) will offer a two-day Boot Camp for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) trained and certified by the Office of the Attorney General through TAMIU’s Health and Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) continuation grant on Thursday and Friday, April 25 – 26, 2024.
The TAMIU SANE Boot Camp, offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, is designed to enhance training and retention. It has been structured to maximize knowledge and participation while promoting rapid progression through education, clinical practicum, and engagement activities for novice and seasoned SANEs.
At the Camp, SANES will review the core training components of the TAMIU-SANE Program, review laws and best practices pertinent to healthcare, and elaborate on trauma-informed care principles.
They will also conduct practical exercises to reinforce concepts and exercises learned during their SANE training. SANE Nurses will revisit court testimony, review medical forensic reports, and expand their photography skills. Participants will engage in case review and prepare for Sexual Assault Response Team integration by discussing and developing protocols on how healthcare professionals respond to sexual assault and more.
TAMIU-SANE Project manager Rosario Benavides said the Camp has strong post-SANE goals.
“By going through this boot camp post-SANE training, SANEs will have increased confidence in conducting person-centered medical forensic examinations, have a deeper understanding of expert witness testimony, and improve their preparedness in their SANE Role. Through a discussion panel, they will meet other community critical players responding to sexual assault. Joining us at the Boot Camp will be key players in law enforcement, the judicial system, the crime lab, and other community partners,” Benavides explained.
Dr. Marivic Torregosa, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and its Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing said that as the continuation grant (T96HP32498) comes to its end, the University is truly proud of the TAMIU-SANE Program impact.
“Through this HRSA grant and our 23 partners and collaborators, the TAMIU-SANE Program has trained 69 SANE participants and assisted in securing 42 state certifications through the Office of the Attorney General. We’ve helped nurses achieve their goals by expanding and offering five SANE programs. Through these distinct SANE training opportunities, nurses have enrolled in Adult (CA-SANE) Certification, Pediatric (CP-SANE) Certification, CA-SANE Renewal certification, CP-SANE Renewal, Certification, and Dual SANE certification.
“Our TAMIU SANE nurses will address a critical gap in healthcare. All are now able to conduct assessments, recognize and respond to trauma, protect against sexually transmitted infections, and collect the evidence needed to prosecute the survivor’s attacker. Most importantly, SANE nurses provide crucial emotional support for survivors, acting as vital links to resources for survivors to receive counseling services, legal assistance, and secure support from survivor advocacy groups,” Dr. Torregosa concluded.
For more information about the Boot Camp registration, SANE Program enrollment, or clinical placement, email Benavides at maria.benavides@tamiu.edu, click on go.tamiu.edu/sane or call 956.326.2575.
