I was a SANE nurse in fact brought the program. We worked for the DA and became expert witnesses. Very cool.
I was a forensic nurse for rape many years ago. It did get under my skin after 2 years, due to seeing so much violence. Waiting long hours to testify in court and dealing with defense attorney questioning wasn't easy. However, seeing a brutal teen rapist be sentenced as an adult was a victory. It is hard, knowing that the victims live with it forever, and to examine them when they are in pain. I did have a victim that required emergency surgery and I was glad to have found the injury. It has its ups and downs, but your documentation really makes a difference in whether they persue the case. Collecting specimens adds to the dna data base as well. Good luck. I did not, at the point, enjoy working with children
It is a separate specialty, in my opinion. International association of forensic nurses IAFN for more info
