Ohio Forensic Nurse Examiners: Readiness to Care for Victims of Sexual Assault with Disability

Author

Deanna Nicole Smith, Otterbein UniversityFollow

ORCID

0009-0001-5866-0832

Date of Award

Spring 4-30-2023

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Joy Shoemaker

First Committee Member

Dr. Joy Shoemaker

Second Committee Member

Dr. Chai Sribanditmongkol

Third Committee Member

Ruth Downing

Keywords

Sexual Assault, Victims with Disability, Forensic Nurse Examiner, Forensic Nurse Examiner Preparedness, FNE, Forensic Nurse Examiner Care for Victims with Disability

Subject Categories

Accessibility | Adult and Continuing Education | Disability Studies | Forensic Science and Technology | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Nursing | Patient Safety | Public Health and Community Nursing

Abstract

Forensic nurse examiners (FNEs) care for crime victims in acute care settings. These nurses are specifically trained in trauma-informed care and evidence collection in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, abuse, and human trafficking (RAINN, 2022). The scholarly project focuses on the care of victims of sexual assault living with disability, as this population is three times more likely to be victimized than any other population (NSVRC, 2022). The project literature review reveals a lack of data on preparation standards for FNEs on caring for victims with disability and providing accommodations during forensic examination. Currently, it is unknown if FNEs in the state of Ohio receive the same degree and quality of education regarding the specific needs of disabled victims who have experienced and been affected by a criminal act. Also, it is unknown if knowledge deficits and clinical practice gaps exist among the Ohio FNEs providing care to this potentially vulnerable population. To identify, assess, and address any existing gaps in preparation a 10-question survey was distributed to FNE’s in the state of Ohio through email. The survey was formulated with the assistance of the Dr. Joy Shoemaker of Otterbein University, Ruth Downing of Forensic Nursing Network, LLC, and the Adult Advocacy Centers administration team. Findings of the survey concluded that 57.9% of respondents did not have disability-specific education in their FNE training course in the state of Ohio. Respondents were from all 5 identified regions of Ohio, with the majority practicing in Central Ohio with representation from all regions included. In conclusion, the survey established that disability training is not standardized in current FNE training programs in the state of Ohio.

Acknowledgement 1

1

Acknowledgement 2

1

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Recommended Citation

Smith, Deanna Nicole, "Ohio Forensic Nurse Examiners: Readiness to Care for Victims of Sexual Assault with Disability" (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects. 106.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_doc/106