Honoring Evangelical Hospital's Forensic Nursing Team

Many young people have aspirations to have a career in nursing, but few specifically dream about becoming a forensic nurse. Most forensic nurses decide to take on the additional training and education after witnessing heartbreaking assaults and recognizing the need for forensic nursing as an important piece of the justice process. Others realize after years of a traditional nursing career, that they have a special talent for providing compassion and dignity to traumatized patients while maintaining an irreproachable level of excellence in technical skills. Transitions is grateful to honor the forensic nurses at Evangelical Community Hospital who make the SANE program a place of healing and restoration.

When Transitions is called to the bedside of a survivor of sexual assault, we provide support and reassurance. There are many unknowns, and advocates can’t promise that the journey to justice will be without additional trauma. Victims often ask about what the experience will be like when they encounter attorneys, judges, law enforcement officials, or even when they face their attacker in a courtroom. We can’t say, with certainty, that everyone will be sensitive to trauma, or even that the outcome will bring closure. But in the moments before a forensic exam begins, there is one promise that we can give without hesitation. We can confidently inform the victim that the nurse who will be collecting evidence and providing treatment, is profoundly dedicated to the dignity, self-determination, comfort, and protection of the person she is serving.

The forensic nursing team at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg is on call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The nurses are called from the comfort of their beds at any hour, never complaining or even expressing frustration. They unfailingly communicate that they feel privileged to be with patients during moments of anguish and that they feel honored to be able to use their talents to provide comfort, healing, and the hope of justice. Hannah, Hannah, Rachel, and Amanda are the faces of compassion and dedication for sexual assault victims in Northumberland, Snyder, Union, and surrounding counties. Transitions is proud and grateful to partner with the forensic nursing team at Evangelical Community Hospital, where we are privileged to provide advocacy alongside nurses who, above all else, prioritize integrity, dignity, and tireless dedication to healing, justice, and restoration for survivors. 

Written by Colleen E-K., Medical Advocate