In episode two of our Workforce Resiliency mini season, Just science sat down with Dr. Cara Berg-Raunick, a women’s health nurse practitioner and the Director of Clinical Quality and Advancement at Health Care Education & Training, to discuss vicarious trauma experienced by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).  

Vicarious trauma – the cognitive changes someone experiences after witnessing traumatic events – affects nurse examiners profoundly, particularly those providing care in the aftermath of sexual violence. According to Dr. Berg-Raunick, the ramifications of SANEs experiencing vicarious trauma could be devastating to the practice of medical forensic examination. Listen along as Dr. Berg-Raunick discusses her journey through anti-sexual violence practice, the effects of vicarious trauma in her own life, and her research findings in this two-part episode of Just Science.  

This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Workforce Resiliency For Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Part 1

Just Science is a podcast for justice professionals and anyone interested in learning more about forensic science, innovative technology, current research, and actionable strategies to improve the criminal justice system.  This podcast deals with a range of issues, including human trafficking, firearms, policing, leadership in the crime lab, new technologies, sexual assault response, and broader challenges for science and public security. We cover various types of topics across RTI's Justice Practice Area. 

Some seasons of Just Science were developed by RTI International's Justice Practice Area through various funding sources. Please visit the individual episode to learn more about its funding.