2026 AAENP National Conference: EmergNP

This dynamic panel presentation brings together both experienced and novice SANEs/forensic nurses to reflect on how their understanding of forensic nursing evolves from initial perceptions to real-world practice. Through candid discussion and case-based examples, panelists will explore how personal and professional biases can influence clinical decision-making, documentation, and case outcomes. Attendees will gain practical strategies to recognize and mitigate bias while maintaining objectivity in high-stakes forensic care. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine how personal and professional biases may influence forensic nursing practice, including assessment, documentation, and interpretation of findings.
2. Describe the impact of bias on patient care and potential legal outcomes in forensic cases.
3. Apply strategies to promote objectivity and reduce bias in forensic nursing practice.

Brief Description
This interdisciplinary presentation, led by a forensic nurse and civil attorney, uses case-based scenarios to examine the clinical and legal complexities of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). Attendees will explore the critical role of timely assessment, evidence collection, and documentation, and how these actions influence not only criminal proceedings but also civil litigation and patient outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the lasting impact of clinical decisions beyond the immediate encounter.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key clinical indicators and best practices for assessment and evidence collection in suspected DFSA cases.
2. Describe how forensic nursing care and documentation influence both criminal and civil legal outcomes.
3. Apply forensic-informed approaches to DFSA cases to enhance patient care, documentation quality, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Brief Description
This case-based presentation traces the trajectory of a sexual assault case from the initial 911 call through forensic examination and into the legal system, highlighting the critical role of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) within emergency care. Emphasis is placed on injury assessment, forensic documentation, and effective collaboration across the multidisciplinary team. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how emergency NPs can integrate forensic-informed approaches to improve patient care and support case outcomes.'

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the continuum of a sexual assault case from emergency response through prosecution, including the role of the SANE and multidisciplinary team members.
2. Identify key components of the forensic medical examination, including injury assessment and documentation, to support clinical and legal outcomes.
3. Apply forensic-informed principles within emergency practice to enhance patient care, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Note: No CE available for this session.

Brief Description
This presentation explores best practices for forensic suspect and custodial (prisoner) examinations conducted by forensic nurses, emergency department nurses, and nurse practitioners. Emphasis is placed on legal considerations, consent and warrant processes, evidence collection within critical time frames, and meticulous injury documentation, while addressing the impact of bias on clinical care and decision-making. Attendees will gain practical insight into collaborating with law enforcement while maintaining objectivity, patient rights, and clinical integrity.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe legal and ethical considerations in suspect and custodial examinations, including consent, warrants, and collaboration with law enforcement.
2. Identify best practices for evidence collection, injury assessment, and documentation in forensic examinations within the emergency care setting.
3. Examine the influence of bias on forensic nursing practice and apply strategies to promote objective, equitable care.

Brief Description
Non-fatal strangulation is a high-risk, often underrecognized form of violence that may result in significant anoxic brain injury without visible external findings. This presentation introduces the SHASTA (Strangulation Hypoxia Anoxia Symptom TBI Assessment) protocol, a trauma-informed approach to identifying and documenting subtle neurologic symptoms often missed in traditional assessments. Attendees will gain practical skills to improve detection, documentation, and clinical decision-making in patients presenting after strangulation.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the pathophysiology of hypoxia and anoxia in non-fatal strangulation and the limitations of relying on loss of consciousness as an indicator of injury.
2. Identify key components of the SHASTA protocol, including assessment strategies and critical symptoms associated with anoxic brain injury.
3. Apply the SHASTA tool to cases examples to improve recognition, documentation, and referral for patients at risk of traumatic brain injury following strangulation.