West Region Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Registry

Job Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees.

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

As a registered professional nurse, the SANE provides exemplary specialized, trauma‑informed medical forensic services to all individuals who present with a complaint or concern of sexual assault. Services include a forensic exam and evidence collection, counseling for emergency contraception, prophylactic treatment for sexually transmitted infections, photo documentation, and referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow‑up, support and participation in legal proceedings.

• Acts autonomously following professional standards outlined by the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA), the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, the International Association of Forensic Nurses Scope and Standards of Practice, and unit‑specific protocols appropriate to the patient population served.
• Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team, including SANE coordinator, providers, imaging and therapeutic services to facilitate care of sexual assault survivors.
• Maintains documentation standards with accurate, timely and complete recording and reporting to ensure compliance with SASETA.
• Maintains appropriate survivor privacy and chain of custody for all evidence collected, including Illinois State Police Evidence Collection Kit (ISPECK).
• Remains up to date on current regulatory and legislative guidelines related to treatment and documentation standards for sexual assault survivors.
• Educates survivors and their families to meet their emotional and healthcare needs to aid in the recovery process.
• Performs assigned work safely, adhering to established departmental safety rules and practices, reports to supervisor, in a timely manner, any unsafe activities, conditions, hazards, or safety violations that may cause injury to oneself, other employees, patients and/or visitors.
• Testifies in court as a fact witness and/or expert and assists other SANEs in preparing for court proceedings.
• Provides a learning atmosphere by sharing knowledge with coworkers; participates in orientation of new staff by providing content relevant to caring for sexual assault survivors.
• Supports continuous quality improvement efforts designed to enhance patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and improve the overall care of sexual assault survivors.
• Ensures professional growth and development by participating in and utilizing current evidence‑based information and keeping current with standards in Forensic and SANE nursing practice.
• Maintains required medical and forensic continuing education requirements per current regulatory or legislative guidelines.
• Participates in goal setting, program development and evaluation of the regional and system‑wide SANE programs.
• Attends monthly SANE meetings and participates in peer review.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) with commitment to obtain a BSN from an accredited program within three years of first day of employment in a clinical nurse role OR Master’s degree from an accredited school/college of nursing and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (IL) license.
• Current Illinois licensure as a Registered Nurse in good standing.
• BLS certification upon hire.
• Completion of the IL SANE Clinical Training Program within one year of hire.
• Completion of an International Association…