Hello everyone,
Our SANE team works as 89 day contracted employees for our County. We receive no benefits other than Worksmans Comp. We were told that if we were to get sick or injured they would have to prove we contracted the illness from working as a SANE and that it would be difficult to prove because we all work in other nursing fields as well. If we were to contract COVID or any other pathogen or get injured and we were able to prove it was SANE related, we would receive 2/3 of the last 12 months of income. Okay, here's an issue, we make $2.50 per hour to be on call. We then make a flat rate per each exam. None of our nurses make more than $10,000.00 a year as this is our second job to our full time employment. So if we get sick, can't work any job, can't prove it was SANE related, we have nothing. I had one of my 4 nurses resign two days ago. She also works at our County hospital and cannot take the risk. I'm wondering if other SANEs are having the same issues and looking for ideas and solutions. I understand the pros and cons of private stand alone SA services and hospital based SA services, yet something needs to be changed. We need to look at our SANEs, especially in rural communities that really have no support. We need help. The COVID-19 Pandemic has us all looking through a different lens. I appreciate your knowledge and wisdom.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Antony
I am in the same boat with you Jennifer. I am an independant SANE. I do a lot of volunteer. Why do I ? Good question. I attend meetings & webinars to benefit myself & the survivors I come in contact with. I do peds/adolescents exam at a CAC. I do adult exams at a pregnancy resource center. I get income from Victims Crime Compensation. I cover one county by myself & help when needed in 2 other counties. Luck has it, I make less then 6 thousand $/yr. I hope to make a difference in the lives of the survivors! That is really the benefit I have. No pto/no sick time. I am open to suggestions. How do I protect myself & do the best for the survivors? Thanks for listening & opening this discussion.
This is a great question that affects many of us as Forensic Nurses. Members any comments?