Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine includes treatment for trauma, orthopedic, brain/head, heart and other surgical emergencies.
At a time when there is a growing need for people trained in sexual assault care, one nurse speaks out about her role with IU Health.
By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org
She sat in the same exam room where she consoles victims of violence, abuse, and exploitation. Kathleen Janosik, is one of nine forensic nurse examiners working with vulnerable patients coming to the Emergency Department at IU Health Methodist Hospital.
The private exam area is called, “Center of Hope.” It started in 1999 at Methodist Hospital. Other locations include IU Health Arnett, Bloomington, and Ball Hospitals.
The word “hope” comes up a lot when talking to Janosik. She in fact, went into nursing with the goal of working toward a career as a forensic nurse.
“I could go on for an hour about how much I love forensic nursing and the impact. Ever since nursing school I’ve been working towards this - knowing I wanted to be able to help particularly vulnerable populations that don't always get a voice,” said Janosik. She started her career eight years ago working as a patient care assistant. After obtaining her nursing degree from IUPUI she joined IU Health first working in surgical trauma critical care. Two years ago she joined the forensic nursing team, working nights.
It’s a role that leaves many lasting impressions.
She remembers every patient. One she described coming into the ER after experiencing the trauma of captivity and multiple beatings. She had numerous injuries.
“She just held my hand and thanked me for walking with her every step of the way. It was very difficult, but rewarding to know she was safe and I could help her in the way I could,” said Janosik.
As a forensic nurse examiner, she obtained special certification and on-the-job training in recording patient history, collecting evidence, and gathering resources to help patients create a safety plan when they leave the emergency department. Forensic nurses collaborate with emergency room staff, law enforcement officers, and prosecutors.
October is “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” and IU Health will offer employees several educational presentations on such topics as “Recognizing Domestic Violence in the Workplace.” Statewide hospitals will also have a “moment of silence” on Oct. 29 to remember victims of domestic violence.
According to the Department of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, and the National Crime Victimization Survey someone in the United States is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. The Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Center reports one in six American women have been the victim of rape or sexual assault each year, and one in 10 men are victims of rape or sexual assault.
“Since I’ve been at Methodist in this position, we’ve definitely seen an increase,” said Janosik. An increase in patients, means an increased need in trained examiners.
The IU Health Foundation recently announced a grant to increase the supply and distribution of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) throughout Indiana, especially in rural areas. The goal is to increase the current number of 45 to 345 by 2027.
Through a joint effort by IU Health, IU School of Nursing Academic-Practice Partnership for Forensic Nursing Training, Practice and Retention, the grant will provide free training opportunities. The training includes 40 plus hours of didactic forensic training, a two-day forensic simulation training, and up to 60 hours clinical preceptorship. Forensic nurse training includes a variety of focus areas including pediatric care, legal nurse consultant and SWAT team nursing.
There will be two SANE trainings per year. Those interested may apply at: https://nursing.iu.edu/continu....
Janosik said the majority of her patients on night shift are women treated for sexual assault and interpersonal violence, but there are male patients treated for gunshot wounds and physical violence.
“This isn’t necessarily direct bedside. The patients come in, are treated in the ER and then we work with officers, detectives and social workers to make sure whoever caused the harm doesn’t come back,” said Janosik. A patient receives a forensic exam only if they choose to. The forensic exam helps gather evidence for a continued investigation.
Outside of the hospital, Janosik volunteers for the Sexual Assault Prevention, Intervention & Response Task Force (SAPIR), on the campus of IUPUI; and Unconditional Indy, a program that provides a safe community for women serving in the adult entertainment industry.
“I think it’s so important to attack the problem in different ways,” said Janosik. “One of the things I like is giving patients back their bodily autonomy. There are different definitions of success. If seeking justice is success then you can be disappointed, but patients getting a say in what to do from here is a win. We want to make sure we give the patients options. They don’t always choose the option you think is best, but you have to know they will choose what is best for them and you hope you don’t see them again coming into the ER.”
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Emergency medicine includes treatment for trauma, orthopedic, brain/head, heart and other surgical emergencies.
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