The course is designed as a combined minimum 80-hour didactic training program to prepare registered nurses to perform a thorough assessment of the sexual assault patient across the lifespan, provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment, collect evidence, and develop a report that documents the examination. The biological, psychological, and social dynamics involved in the care of a sexual assault patient, beginning at the crime scene and continuing through the judicial process will be detailed. The role of the nurse will be emphasized throughout the course. The course includes the concepts of a coordinated team approach, patient-centered care, sexual assault evidence collection, the examination process, documentation, medical forensic history, injury assessment and management, growth and development, photography, drug facilitated sexual assault, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy risk and evaluation, discharge and follow-up, judicial system  including  informed consent, confidentiality, reporting, and testifying.  

• Designed for registered nurses (RNs)
• Online course with optional three-day clinical session
• Instructor: Kathy Bell, retired forensic nurse administrator with the Tulsa Police Department
• Questions: email kathy.bell@okstate.edu