Maier Shana L
Department of Criminal Justice, Widener University, One University Place, Chester, Pennsylvania, USA.
J Forensic Nurs. 2011 Dec;7(4):161-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-3938.2011.01118.x.
Although research has indicated that counselors, advocates and social workers who assist rape victims experience vicarious trauma or psychological consequences as a result of their exposure to victims' traumatic experiences, little is known about Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners' (SANEs') experiences. This qualitative research explores SANEs' experiences of vicarious trauma and burnout as a result of treating rape victims, and the coping strategies they implement to reduce both. Data from interviews with 39 SANEs reveal that when asked about their difficulties as a SANE and the hardest part of their job, the majority (67%) discussed vicarious trauma, the emotional demands associated with the job, worrying about victims after they leave the hospital, and burnout. More than half (51%) of SANEs interviewed specifically indicated that they have experienced vicarious trauma as a result of treating rape victims, and 46% indicated they have experienced burnout at least to some degree. All SANEs, regardless of whether they believe they have experienced vicarious trauma or burnout, have ways to cope after hard cases. These coping mechanisms include talking to family members, calling or reaching out to other SANEs, program coordinators or rape victim advocates and detectives, participating in meetings with other SANEs where the focus is on problems after difficult cases, and finding relaxing activities.
尽管研究表明，协助强奸受害者的咨询师、维权人士和社会工作者因接触受害者的创伤经历而遭受替代性创伤或心理影响，但对于性侵犯护士检查员（SANE）的经历却知之甚少。这项定性研究探讨了SANE在治疗强奸受害者过程中所经历的替代性创伤和职业倦怠，以及他们为减轻这两者所采取的应对策略。对39名SANE的访谈数据显示，当被问及作为SANE所面临的困难以及工作中最艰难的部分时，大多数人（67%）提到了替代性创伤、与工作相关的情感需求、在受害者出院后对他们的担忧以及职业倦怠。超过一半（51%）接受访谈的SANE明确表示，他们因治疗强奸受害者而经历了替代性创伤，46%的人表示他们至少在一定程度上经历过职业倦怠。所有SANE，无论他们是否认为自己经历过替代性创伤或职业倦怠，在处理棘手案件后都有应对的方法。这些应对机制包括与家人交谈、打电话或联系其他SANE、项目协调员、强奸受害者维权人士和侦探，参加与其他SANE的会议，会议重点是棘手案件后的问题，以及寻找放松的活动。
