Trauma-Informed Community of Practice

What Is the Trauma-Informed Community of Practice?

This program aims to increase the number of Sexual Assualt Nurse Examiners (SANEs) throughout Minnesota and the US with a focus on rural and underserved areas. Our Trauma-Informed Care Community of Practice will improve treatment and health outcomes of sexual assualt survivors and promote SANE competency, retention, and well-being. This Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funded program is committed to:

Support For New SANEs

New SANE trainees will be offered up to $10,000 of financial support for all aspects of the traineeship. Our program is tailored to the specific needs of the trainee and supports trainees toward successful achievement of their benchmarks. A group-format mentorship program supports trainees to build relationships with each other while strengthening wellbeing skills and SANE competencies.

Support For Experienced SANEs

Experienced SANEs can apply for certification funding and participate in continuing professional development including a new trauma-informed case simulation series, refresher courses, and skills labs. Our community will foster retention via SANE networking, supportive relationships, case review, and technical assistance.

Support For Institutions

Across Minnesota and the US, there is a SANE workforce shortage that increasingly worsens moving from metropolitation to rural settings. Of the 147 hospitals in Minnesota, only 37 have a SANE response, mostly for adults. This is not a sustainable workforce and is nowhere near the workforce needed to ensure citizen access to SANE services. Our program will provide technical assistance to institutions and reach SANEs across the country, with a focus on intentional recruitment of nurses and SANEs living and serving in rural and impoverished communities, and in and near Indian country.

Support For Communities

Sexual assualt is a prevalent problem in Minnesota and nationwide and notable disparities exist based on race/ethnicity, geographic location, and gender and sexual identities. Victim-survivors of sexual violence and domestic violence have potential for better and healthier outcomes if they receive trauma-informed care, including SANE services. The needs are great, and so is our capability to meet them.