In the United States, there were 209,880 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault in 2004, and meeting the health needs of victims poses unique challenges to nurses. "Sexual Assault Forensic Nurse Examiner Training," a five-day seminar to be held March 13 to 17 in Baltimore, will provide the special skills for responding effectively to such emergencies. The program is sponsored by the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the Institute for Johns Hopkins Nursing and the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Through lectures, case studies, discussions and group activities, participants will receive the 40 hours of classroom training required to become a forensic nurse examiner. Course topics include forensic nursing/SART process; rape trauma syndrome; police roles and procedures; evidence recognition, collection and preservation; evaluating the physically abused patient; anogenital anatomy; forensic photography; DNA; substance-related rape; expert witness testimony; profiling the rapist; and patterned injuries.

Forensic Nurse Examiner Certification for the Adult/Adolescent Patient requires an additional 40-hour clinical component. Those who aspire to becoming a pediatric forensic nurse examiner are required to take 62 hours of training beyond their Adult/Adolescent certification. To learn more or to register, call 443-287-4745 or go to www.ijhn.jhmi.edu.

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