Unfortunately, sexual assault and domestic violence happens. When it does, a core group of specially trained forensic nurses at LincolnHealth, Pen Bay Medical Center, in Rockport, and Waldo County General Hospital, in Belfast, stand ready to offer compassionate and non-judgmental care. 

As such, MaineHealth, the parent company of the three hospitals, is recognizing Forensic Nurses Week, November 9-13.

“Please join us in saluting their commitment to quality, patient-centered care as they address the acute and long-term health consequences for patients impacted by violence,” said a news release.

 “Sexual assault and domestic violence are traumatic and life-changing” said Mary Ann Ordelt, a registered nurse at WCGH and coordinator of the forensic nurse examiner program that serves all three hospitals. “It’s important that survivors know they are supported. As forensic nurse examiners, we make sure that survivors who come to the emergency department receive comprehensive forensic medical care.”

Much of a forensic nurse’s focus is on medical matters. With the patient’s consent, they typically perform a full physical exam, collaborate with physicians to diagnose and treat any injuries, and offer appropriate medications. They may also perform medical forensic exams, collecting evidence that may later be used in court.

With empathy and compassion, they also help survivors take the first steps toward emotional and psychological healing by working to restoring patients’ sense of control over their lives.

“We make sure the patient knows that they decide what happens every step of the way,” said Julie LeBlanc, RN, a trained forensic nurse who also serves as a charge nurse in the emergency department at PBMC. “Normally, we might perform a head-to-toe medical exam. We might collect evidence. But if the patient objects at any point, we stop. We offer to call the police, but if they don’t want us to, we don’t. It is critical to what we do as forensic nurses that we respect the patient’s sense of control over what happens to them.”

Forensic nurse Deb Prescott, RN, said: “We gently work to build trust from the time they arrive. It requires patience and knowledge of how the brain works under the stress of sexual trauma. My goal is to listen, validate and support my patient during what is perhaps the worst experience of their life.”

The forensic nurse program at LincolnHealth, PBMC and WCGH is one of only two such regional programs in the state. There are currently nine forensic nurses in the program. CHA has been awarded a $500,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Justice to recruit and certify up to 15 forensic nurses across the three hospitals. 

For more information about Forensic Nurses, go to www.forensicnurses.org.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault or domestic violence, go the emergency departments at LincolnHealth, PBMC or WCGH to receive compassionate and non-judgmental care in a safe environment. We’re here to help. You can also call us at: LincolnHealth – 563-4521; PBMC – 301-8315; WCGH – 505-4123.

About Pen Bay Medical Center 

Pen Bay Medical Center is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit pbmc.org.

Waldo County General Hospital

Waldo County General Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit wcgh.org.