I would like everyone to understand the dedication and commitment that your SANE RN Joan has shown during our recent encounter in the emergency department. Joan was on call as the SANE nurse the night I brought my daughter to the emergency room for an examination. Joan took the time to make sure that my daughter understood all of her rights and options for every step of the examination. Joan also made the decision to contact the police for reports to be filed on behalf of my daughter and she stood up for her rights when there was a concern that this may not have been indicated. After full discussion with the police, Joan was very appropriate in her advocacy for my daughter. Joan has an excellent understanding of the codes of the law related to SANE nursing and victims. Joan also reached out to us several times to make sure that we had all of the follow-up care that was needed and the medications appropriate. We were given many resources and phone numbers to use as resources. Joan, however, was the true resource for us through this difficult time. She hugged me and reassured me and my family that we were not to blame and we had a team behind us so we were not alone. It amazes me how professional and personal Joan was with me and my daughter that night. It was not just the utilization of resources, it was the human touch and concern even after we left the emergency department that night that made the most difference.
I am a nurse myself. I have always put the patient and their families as a priority in the care I provide. In the almost 30 years of pediatric nursing, I have met very few nurses whom I would consider above outstanding in all areas of care. Joan is one of these nurses. Her complete ability to meet all of the needs of my daughter and my family was above outstanding. I understand her commitment to become a SANE nurse and the training involved. However, compassion and advocacy are not always present after training. Joan has the human touch to help those heal. She is truly an amazing nurse in our eyes.