THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD ...: THE EFFECTS ON SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINERS OF WORKING WITH RAPE VICTIMS (TRAUMA).
Contributors: Harvard University.
Published: 1996
Number of pages: 230
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Psychology, Social.; Social Work.
Description: Introduction. Despite growing concern about caregivers of trauma victims, we know little about the effects on those who care for rape victims, particularly a new type of caregiver, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.

Methods. In-depth clinical interviews of a purposive convenience sampling of 12 thoughtful, articulate sexual assault nurse examiners with varied experience, were conducted with SANEs from six programs in Tennessee, California, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Respondents were asked a schedule of questions to answer the central question, 'What, if any, are the effects of taking care of sexual assault victims on SANEs?'. Telephone interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Data analysis involved analytic memos, narrative summaries, conceptually clustered matrices, and a second collaborative, clarifying telephone interview. Coding and reliability checks with two colleagues yielded agreement for coding labels. Transcripts were reviewed, and re-reviewed to see if themes from later interviews were present in earlier ones. Data were gleaned from four readings of the transcripts, each looking at a different sub question focusing on presence and character of effects, parallels with others in the literature, coping, presence and character of phases of reactions, factors which mitigate negative effects and enhance positive effects, and implications for recruitment, training, and program development.

Results. While some responses of SANEs were similar to others who work with trauma victims, SANEs described unique responses to working with victims, including subtle effects on relationships, a changed world view, anger, hypervigilance, worries about their family's safety, strategies to avoid victimization, and greater sadness, maturity, and appreciation for one's family. A strong sense of gratification and self esteem seemed to overshadow negative effects, from awkward negative responses of others to their work, to their awareness of evil in others. Data suggest value in ventilation and support for SANEs, particularly early on, especially from nursing friends/peers who understand violence against women. Data points to ways of coping: Focusing on tasks during the exam, minimizing--even denying--the impact of sexual assault, titrating the number of victims one sees, and having "another life" and other happier interests providing balance, and simply getting away.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-10, Section: B, page: 6179.

Thesis (ED.D.)--HARVARD UNIVERSITY, 1996.

School code: 0084.