Season 4: Episode 7 Show Notes
The JPS Health Network Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program offers support to adolescent and adult victims of sexual assault. JPS has been designated as a SAFE-ready facility by the Texas Attorney General's office, which means that our trained sexual assault nurse examiners or physicians conduct forensic medical examinations of sexual assault victims.
Tatiyana Giddings met with Connie Housley to better understand the JPS SANE program and how we provide a compassionate and secure environment for victims of sexual assault. If this conversation speaks to you, speak to us: podcast@jpshealth.org.
Meet Connie Housley, BSN, RN, CA-SANE, SANE-A
Connie Housley is the Manager of Forensic Nursing Services, who has served the JPS community for 22 years. She started her care in the emergency room and eventually started administering sexual assault exams helping her find her passion in emergency medicine and trauma.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program Resources
JPS Forensics Department: 817-702-7263
For after hour emergencies contact the ER team-lead: 817-702-7829
Tarrant County Rape Crisis Center: 817-927-2737
SAFE Haven of Tarrant County: 877-701-7233
What is Forensic Nursing?
Forensic Nursing is a specialty that combines nursing science with investigating injuries or deaths that involve traumatic mechanisms, abuse, violence, and criminal activity.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are one of the most commonly recognized forensic nurses. Forensic Nursing encompasses a broader set of skills and patient populations, which include interpersonal violence, crime-related traumatic injuries, auto versus pedestrian injuries, work-related injuries, and suicide attempts or self-harm.
Services Provided:
Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNE) and SANE Nurses:
- FNE available on-campus, Monday - Friday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- SANE on-call 24/7
- Medical forensic history and examinations
- Injury identification and forensic photography
- Evidence collection
- Lethality assessment and safety planning
In the podcast, Connie mentions that after the exams, there is aftercare provided by advocates from The Women’s Center of Tarrant County so they can provide information about the services at the Tarrant County Rape Crisis Center.
Women’s Center of Tarrant County Services:
- Hospital embedded, Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Victim support and connection to resources
- Information on criminal justice process
- Crime Victims Compensation applications
- Protective and restraining orders
- Adult and child protective services reporting
- Comfort measures when permitted (blankets, drinks, snacks)
The JPS Podcast Credits:
The JPS Podcast is hosted by: Tatiyana Giddings
Executive Producer: Jessica Virnoche
Producers: Brian Maschino, Tatiyana Giddings, and Gaspar Hinojosa
Audio Mixing and Recording: Gaspar Hinojosa
Editing: Brian Maschino
Art: Jessica Aguillard