A year of growth and training
MultiCare’s SANE and forensics program marked its first full year in 2025, with major milestones that strengthened support for patients impacted by violence and expanded forensic nursing skills across Washington. The program continued to grow in reach, training and clinical readiness. This work is all possible through the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) training grant and strong partnerships across the state.
The team successfully trained 80 nurses and advanced practice providers through the 40‑hour adult/adolescent SANE course, helping build a stronger statewide response for survivors seeking trauma‑informed care. Two MultiCare nurses also earned a pediatric SANE (SANE‑P) certification, adding specialized expertise for the care of children.
This training prepares nurses to conduct exams following a sexual assault, which can support medical care and legal proceedings. It includes how to collect specimens and maintain chain of custody. Just as important, the training emphasizes compassionate, patient‑centered care — helping survivors feel safe, respected and supported during a highly sensitive experience.
Strengthening tools and infrastructure
To support more consistent, high‑quality forensic care across MultiCare, the program made significant investments in forensic readiness across emergency departments. These improvements included:
- Forensic carts, acrylic swab‑drying racks and cameras added to all 18 MultiCare emergency departments (EDs)
- Standardized management and ordering of sexual assault evidence kits and drug‑facilitated sexual assault kits
- Systemwide clinical guidelines for the care of patients who have experienced sexual assault
- Evidence cupboards and refrigerators installed at multiple sites to support secure, ED‑based storage
- Launch of a new forensic program provider resources website to support clinicians across the system
- Introduction of non‑fatal strangulation exams and kit collection at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital
Together, these updates help ensure emergency department teams have the right tools, guidance and resources to respond consistently and confidently — no matter where a patient seeks care.
A leap in continuing education
The forensics program delivered more than 3,500 contact hours of continuing education in 2025 through monthly webinars and SANE training opportunities. These offerings reached a range of professionals — including nurses, physicians, first responders, social workers, security staff, advocates and others — reinforcing a communitywide approach to caring for survivors.
Looking ahead: A new skills course in 2026
In January 2026, MultiCare launched a free 16‑hour SANE clinical skills course, offered six times per year for providers who have already completed the 40‑ or 64‑hour training. This hands‑on course will deepen technical skills and further strengthen clinical confidence across the system.
Written by: Jen Cantrell, RN, Forensics Program Manager; and Chelsea Hassell, Forensics Clinical Trainer, MultiCare Nursing Education and Professional Practice