As they celebrate their eighth anniversary this month, the members of the Union County Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program remains among the most caring and compassionate people who work in the county.
“I believe that the way they approach their difficult task is nothing short of tremendous,” said Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow. The program helps victims through the terrible ordeal of suffering at the hands of violent criminals.
Felicia Infante, the registered nurse who coordinates the program said nurses receives special training and responds as part of a team with a rape crisis advocate and a detective to any case of a sexual assault where the victim is over 13-years-old.
“We are always looking for sensitive and dedicated registered nurses to perform specialized forensic examinations for these victims,” said Infante, adding that interested RNs must have at least two years of nursing experience and be willing to be on-call for a minimum of 36 hours each month. The nurse examiners received $4.00 for each hour they are on call and $300.00 for each forensic examination.
According to statistics from the Prosecutor’s Office, more than 500 victims have been helped over the last eight years and that the specially trained members of the program typically arrive within 45 minutes of the call to provide the sensitive care needed.
“This allows those who have suffered to begin the healing process with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Infante. “I am really quite proud to be able to work along side all the other outstanding professionals who make this program possible each and every day.”
Those interested in additional information about the Union County Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program may contact Infante at f18infante@aol.com. |
