Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Joyce P. Miller, DNP, RN

Second Advisor

Katherine Martin, Ph.D., APRN, CNM

Third Advisor

Kathleen Clark, DNP, RN

Abstract

Sexual assault is a public health issue, especially for individuals experiencing homelessness, violence, and victimization. Barriers to post-sexual assault health care must be addressed to ensure individuals experiencing homelessness receive effective and adequate care. Traditionally found in Emergency Departments, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) offer patient-centered, comprehensive health care to sexual assault survivors. To reduce barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness, SANEs must be accessible where health care services are utilized. Guided by Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring and trauma-informed principles, this project aims to embed a SANE program into a homeless-specific Midwest Health Care Center. The SANE program will consist of trained nurses completing a 40-hour training offering physical exams, care coordination, and community referrals. Through nurses’ leadership, a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to sexual assault care will be developed, implemented, and evaluated through continuous improvement methods. Bringing SANE services into a community-based homeless-specific health care center allows sexual assault services at the point of relationships and care access.

Identifier

SC 11.MAN.2022.Mehta.E

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