I was now working as a forensic nurse. It was truly such a special job, but it definitely required a calling to be able to work in that field, just due to the nature of the job.

As a forensic nurse, most people assumed two things: I worked with dead people, or that I was at crime scenes doing CSI work. NOT QUITE. Although those jobs do involve forensics, I specialized in another area. I worked with survivors of five specific populations: sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, child abuse, and elder abuse. Like I said…you definitely have to have a calling to work a job like this.

As mentioned in the previous article, I had a passion for fighting against human trafficking, and forensic nursing opened up the doors to be to do just that and more. We served survivors from all over the city and surrounding areas. I always considered it such an honor to help people on what may have possibly been the worst day of their lives.

In my three years of working as a forensic nurse, also known as a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), I saw, heard, and experienced so much. I had the pleasure and privilege to partner with various hospitals, law enforcement, various degrees of judicial positions, and so much more. My hands hugged victims of sexual assault as I reminded them “it’s not your fault”. My hands photographed injuries no one should ever have to see or feel. My hands documented narrations of violence that no one should ever have to live with. My hands dried the tears of victims weeping as they realized they were almost killed. My hands swabbed DNA of humans with very evil intentions, as I had to care for both victims and suspects alike. My hands sealed evidence kits that can lead to justice. My hands meticulously drew countless body diagrams to make sure every injury on my patients was documented properly. These hands held bold survivors who were ready to transition to a life of freedom.

I truly believe God gave me a grace to be able to do that job and do it well. He gave me compassion daily and a strength to be able to be strong when my patients couldn’t be.

I hope that this article gives you an inside peek to the life of a forensic/SANE nurse. It was such a dream job. It was my joy to be able to work with those brave survivors day in and day out. I knew it was where I was supposed to be, or so I thought…

Nearing the three-year mark of me working as a forensic nurse, I felt a tug in a completely different direction. I couldn’t believe it. Was my whole life about to change?

To be continued…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie Bright is the founder of Christian Girls POP, an online international Women’s ministry. While attending college, Stephanie began leading Bible studies from her dorm room, which led to the birth of Christian Girls POP (CGPOP). Through CGPOP, Stephanie can reach women across the world of all ages
to proclaim the Word of God in a relevant way. As a Bible teacher, she uses her life experiences to help others realize their potential by highlighting scripture in her unique way. Stephanie aspires to bring CGPOP to college campuses worldwide to guide young women into a meaningful relationship with Christ. Stephanie also enjoys leading worship, spending time with her younger siblings, and doing puzzles in her free time.

Article #5: Leaving my Fingerprint as a Nurse