📍Pittsburg, Kansas

Strengthening the Forensic Nursing Workforce in Kansas

Challenge:

Forensic nursing plays a vital role in caring for survivors of sexual assault and ensuring proper collection of forensic evidence. In Kansas, shortages of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), particularly in rural regions, are compounded by limited training infrastructure and a lack of coordinated partnerships, leaving many communities without access to timely and comprehensive forensic services. 

Solution:

Bureau of Health Workforce and Advanced Nursing Education-Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (BHW ANE/SANE) funding support enabled Pittsburg State University School of Nursing to expand their forensic sexual assault nurse examiner training and workforce support for rural areas. The program included the following: 

• Workforce retention strategies: Provided clinical supervision and mental health support for trainees.
• Community integration: Hosted retreats and professional development to reduce isolation for forensic nurses working in rural areas.
• Tele-SANE model: Collaborating with SANE programs across Kansas to develop a telehealth-supported forensic nursing model for Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses that will expand access to evidence-based services in rural hospitals and clinics.

Impact:
✅ 83% of nurse practitioners trained in forensic nursing now work in community clinics across the Midwest.
✅ Expanded forensic nursing infrastructure through ongoing training and support.
✅ Trained 120+ registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses.