Transitioning Times

November 09 - 13, 2015 is Forensic Nurses Week – designated to celebrate the work of forensic nurses worldwide. Do you know a forensic nurse? Do you know what they do? Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, PA has 6! During Forensic Nurses Week, we take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the work of our local Forensic Nurses, otherwise known to many as SANE nurses-Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. In addition to collecting physical evidence for the special ‘kit’ these specially trained nurses conduct a forensic interview, provide victims with professional and compassionate care, and ensure a secure chain of evidence between the hospital and law enforcement. These caring nurses are often the first person to say, “It’s not your fault” and to support individuals to become s urvivors . Having trained forensic nurses in our community provides many benefits. To victims they provide early reassurance that the assault was not their fault, prophylactic treatment for STDs...

November 11, 2014 -Transitions joins in the celebration of Forensic Nurses week, along with the International Association of Forensic Nurses—a nursing association representing more than 3,300 registered nurses and other professionals in 22 countries—that organizes Forensic Nurses Week to celebrate the accomplishments and dedication of professionals in the field as well as raise awareness about the importance of their work. Forensic Nurses Week, celebrated this year from Nov. 10 to 14, has a theme of “Leadership. Care. Expertise.” The week is celebrated internationally though awareness events in local communities and education efforts to teach colleagues about the forensic nursing practice. Forensic nurses all over the world wear lilac (the designated color of forensic nursing) to mark the week. Forensic nurses provide specialized care for patients who are victims of sexual assault. These healthcare professionals are nurses first, but have knowledge of the legal system and expe...

November 12th through the 16th is International Forensic Nurses Week We would like to take this opportunity to both express our gratitude and highlight the wonderful SANE nurses we have at Evangelical Hospital. Lindsay, Rachel, and Hannah are the trained SANE nurses at Evangelical Hospital.  They are on call in a rotation and must still work their regular shifts.  Their patience and skill are an example to all nurses and we are very grateful that they have chosen this work.  Evangelical Hospital continues to be the only hospital in Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties to employ SANE nurses.  Although there are other hospitals, their nurses and physicians may not be trained in evidence collection.  The chain of custody of said evidence may be broken in another medical facility.  Evangelical Hospital maintains an exam room, office, and bathroom in a suite to the rear of the Emergency Area specifically for SANE patients.  Their continued dedi...

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Transitions has been busy making sure everyone knows it!  Our committee spent much of March calling boroughs in Union, Snyder, and Northumberland Counties to get permission to post teal ribbons in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  Lewisburg's downtown is now festive, with ribbons on parking meters from Hufnagle Park to 2nd St.  Milton's downtown is also sporting festive teal ribbons.  Look closely, as some of the ribbons have cards attached with information about Sexual Assault.  Here is what they say: Healthy Sexuality... ...is consensual and respectful.  ...is free from coercion and violence. ...contributes positively to self esteem and relationships with other people. Internet?  Facebook?  Photos, names, addresses, phone numbers, school name and/or activities are all "clues" for sexual predators to find you. Sexting?  Photos sent to a friend or posted online can not be "...

“Forensic Nurses play an integral role in bridging the gap between law and medicine. They should be in each and every emergency room"  -Joseph Biden, Vice President, United States from Forensic Nursing: a Handbook for Practice Pictured:  Darlene Rowe, Director of Emergency Medicine; Lindsey Biddle, Critical Care Instructor and SANE nurse; and Tara R., Medical/Legal Advocate On November 9, 2011, Transitions was pleased to present the forensic nurses at Evangelical Hospital with a plaque and a bouquet of flowers in honor of Forensic Nurses Week . Evangelical Hospital is the only medical facility in Snyder, Union, and Northumberland counties where there is a SANE program. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners practice a form of forensic nursing. There are currently three nurses, Hannah, Lindsey, and Rachel, who, in addition to their regular duties, perform on-call duties, coming into the hospital whenever a sexual violence victim is admitted. They give their time and en...