Central MN Forensic Nurse Examiner (CMFNE) Program History
The Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center (CMSAC) launched its Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program in January 2013 through a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant, in partnership with the St. Cloud Hospital Emergency Trauma Center–CentraCare.
Extensive research was conducted to identify the best model for serving the St. Cloud Hospital service area. CMSAC chose to model its program after the community-based SANE program operated by the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) in Duluth, Minnesota — a nationally recognized best-practice model.
Program Development
-
July 2014: CMSAC began hiring Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) to respond to sexual assault victims aged 12 and older. These nurses provide medical and forensic services at St. Cloud Hospital within 120 hours of a sexual assault.
-
October 2014: CMSAC received a CentraCare Health Foundation grant to expand the program and train additional SANEs across Central Minnesota.
-
January 2015: A Core Mission Grant from the Medica Foundation further supported SANE program development, including expenses not covered by other funding sources.
-
FY 2016: CMSAC SANE’s responded to 79 cases of sexual assault at St. Cloud Hospital.
- FY 2024: CMSAC FNE’s responded to 140 cases of sexual assault at St. Cloud Hospital, Monticello, Melrose, Sauk Centre, Paynesville, and Long Prairie Hospitals.
Program Expansion and Transition
In January 2021, CMSAC’s SANE Program transitioned to the Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) Program to reflect the broader scope of forensic nursing practice.
The FNE Program continues to serve the community by providing specialized, trauma-informed medical and forensic care to sexual assault survivors in collaboration with CentraCare and local partners.
Program Objectives
The CMSAC Forensic Nurse Examiner Program is dedicated to ensuring that:
-
Survivors of sexual assault receive immediate, compassionate, and comprehensive medical care by specially trained professionals.
-
Each examination includes high-quality forensic evidence collection to support the justice process and survivor recovery.
-
Survivors are cared for in a way that prevents secondary trauma or injury and promotes healing and empowerment.
Interested in Becoming a Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE)?
CMSAC is always seeking qualified nurses who are passionate about providing trauma-informed care and forensic medical services to sexual assault survivors.
Training Requirements:
All FNEs are required to complete a 40-hour Forensic Nurse Examiner training.
Current training opportunities can be found at:
🔹 Minnesota Forensic Nurses Association
🔹 International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)
New Scholarship Opportunity
Individuals interested in becoming a Forensic Nurse Examiner through CMSAC may be eligible for a scholarship to help cover the cost of FNE training.
For more information or to apply, please contact:
📧 akaehler@cmsac.org
📞 (320) 251-4357 – Ask for Andrew
Employment Opportunities
If you are interested in joining the CMSAC FNE Program as a part-time employee serving the St. Cloud, Monticello, Melrose, Sauk Centre, Paynesville, and Long Prairie Hospitals please fill out our application link:
Central MN Sexual Assault Center 