VC-1013-A:
THE PEDIATRIC SEXUAL ASSAULT FORENSIC NURSE EXAMINER TRAINING PROGRAM
(For the Healthcare Professional)

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This comprehensive 40-hour online didactic pediatric sexual assault examiner training program is designed to prepare registered nurses (SAE, SANE, FNE) and other qualified health care professionals to conduct the forensic examination on child victims of sexual assault. The course content includes background information and demographics of child sexual assault, introduction to pertinent anatomy and physiology, forensic terminology for documentation, photographic documentation including use of colposcope, imaging, collection, handling and preservation of physical evidence and biological specimens, evidentiary chain of custody procedures, assessment and management of injuries and prophylaxis for health risks, medical and forensic documentation procedures, and preparation for the examiner's role in the judicial process, including depositions and courtroom testimony.

The participant must also complete an additional separate 45-hour clinical and non clinical internship. All requirements for the internship must be fulfilled within 6 months after successful completion of the course. Clinical competency documentation forms and instructions can be downloaded prior to initiation of the internship. Further precepting and mentoring to attain competency depends on the individual. Proof of current professional licensure is required.

Instructors are available throughout the term of the course and will assist in linking participants to professional resources within their own communities for additional learning. It is the sole responsibility of the participant to arrange for a local internship. All resources must be approved by the course instructor prior to initiation of the internship. Upon successful completion of the didactic portion of the course and its internship, a Certificate of Completion will be issued for the Pediatric Sexual Assault Forensic Nurse Examiner training program.


INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Cari Caruso, RN SANE-A, has been a registered nurse since 1974. Her experience is in emergency department, pediatrics, women's health, GI laboratory and post-surgery. Her introduction into sexual assault began in 1990. Ms. Caruso has worked in multiple sexual assault units including Los Angeles County, University of California Medical Center Violence Intervention Program, California Hospital Medical Center and Mission Community Hospital. Caruso has trained registered nurses, other medical professionals, legal professionals, sexual assault and domestic violence workers, law enforcement, students, community groups, and has lectured at national and international conferences.

Ms. Caruso is President and founder of Forensic Nurse Professionals, Inc. (FNPI), an independent and privately owned center conducting forensic evidentiary examinations for victims and suspects of sexual assault. She also provides consulting services and expert testimony, throughout the United States, for the prosecution and defense in cases of sexual violence.


OBJECTIVES
After completion of this course of study, the participant will:

Be proficient in the essential procedural steps of the pediatric sexual assault examination and how it differs from other age groups.

Have learned techniques for interviewing children who are in various developmental, cognitive and communication stages.

Have knowledge of the comparison of the essential procedural steps in the examination of a victim of sexual assault, as procedures may vary in different jurisdictions (state to state).

Be able to meaningfully collaborate with law enforcement and child services personnel in the care of the child victim and establishing priorities for post event care and management.

Be able to conduct a sexual assault forensic examination on a child victim, male or female, using recognized forensic evidence collection techniques, with emphasis in the detailed description of genital and other findings.

Understand the documentation of forensic evidence that is consistent with jurisdictional format and the standards for admissibility as evidence in courts of law.

Have knowledge of the authoritative resources available to the sexual assault examiner's forensic practice for networking and continuing education.


WHO MAY TAKE THIS COURSE
Physicians, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, other qualified licensed health care professionals, law enforcement, attorneys, social services professionals, advocates, forensic scientists and criminalists. Enrollees who elect to complete the clinical practical internship must demonstrate proof of current professional licensure.


PREREQUISITES
It is suggested that course participants have basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology and have interest in the process of interacting with law enforcement, the forensic crime laboratory, prosecutorial agencies, attorneys, medical professionals and advocacy groups regarding sexual assault. Those with other backgrounds and interests may call for further information and explore enrollment. It is also recommended that the participant take the adult/adolescent examiner course to become familiar with the basics of the forensic examination, evidence collection techniques and documentation.


AVAILABILITY
Course # 2 Schedule
Start Date May 14^th, 2010
Final Exam July 30^th to August 6^th

2010 SAE Course Calendar click here


CE CONTACT HOURS
40-Continuing Education Hours

SUPERVISED CLINICAL AND NON-CLINICAL HOURS
45-Continuing Education Hours


DURATION
The course must be completed within 1 calendar year of enrollment.


PRESENTATION METHOD
The Blackboard Learning System will be used as the learning management system.


TEACHING METHOD
This program is presented online with on-going instructor participation. There is an established time frame for completion of assignments, homework, research projects, and discussion forum participation. Lessons are supplemented by interactive quizzes, tutorials, and discussions. All assignments and homework must be submitted to the instructor via e-mail or digital drop box. Routine course guidance and instructional materials will be accessed online. A final examination will be administered interactively and can be accessed by the student within a specified time. The course syllabus will provide students with a roadmap for course navigation as well as a detailed schedule.


METHOD OF COURSE GRADING
Participation in Discussion Forums: 20 points
Homework Assignments: 20 points
Midterm Exam: 10 points
Final Exam: 50 points