Forensic Nurse Examiner Program at University of Colorado Hospital – Anschutz
We are a comprehensive medical forensic program, founded in 2017.
A forensic nurse examiner (FNE) provides specialized care for patients who are experiencing acute and long-term health consequences associated with victimization or violence.
Program locations: UCH at Anschutz and UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital
About us
Helping patients affected by violence
We see all patients affected by violence, which can include sexual assault, physical assault, domestic/interpersonal violence, human trafficking, elder abuse, adolescent abuse, strangulation, gunshot victims, stabbing victims, and vehicular assaults.
Patients who are affected by violence need specialized care, and forensic nurse examiners (FNEs) have received that training. They are dedicated to improving lives and patient health outcomes through a comprehensive and thorough medical exam.
We offer a private forensic suite where our patients can be cared for in a safe, secure, and quiet location. This suite was made possible by the generosity of the UCHealth Foundation.
The medical forensic exam
For all patients that we are consulted on, an FNE will complete a medical forensic examination, which includes:
- Getting a detailed patient history.
- A thorough physical assessment.
- Photography and documentation of wounds/injuries.
- Evidence collection.
- Assistance with reporting to police (if patient chooses).
- Connection to community resources such as counseling and victim’s advocates.
- Referral to our Infectious Disease clinic.
- Safety planning.
- Concussion screening.
- Relationship lethality screening.
- Assessment of any medication needs, including medications to prevent sexually transmitted infections and HIV, emergency contraception, and immunizations.
Patients may complete some or all of the exam depending upon their comfort level. Our number one priority is to ensure the patient is safe and healthy.
Reporting sexual assaults
In the state of Colorado, patients between the ages of 18-69 have three reporting options:
- Law reporting.
- Medical reporting.
- Anonymous reporting.
Patients will not be forced to speak with the police, and they may request that their name and other identifying information not be given to the police.
For more information, see: Reporting Algorithm
Additionally, a 30-minute training video outlining each of the reporting options is available to help alleviate any confusion regarding reporting options in Colorado: Reporting Options video
New! Outpatient follow-up clinic
Our forensic program is excited to announce we are starting an outpatient follow-up clinic in April 2021! This clinic will reevaluate patients that have already had a medical forensic exam to ensure that injuries are healing. We can also discuss safety planning, repeat any screenings to assess for improvement, such as concussion, and assist with community resources.
We also have the ability to reevaluate patients via virtual visits if the patient is unable to come to the hospital campus.
Resources
You Have the Right Colorado
https://youhavetherightco.org/support-services-2-2/
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
https://www.niwrc.org/
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
https://www.colorado.gov/cbi
Division of Criminal Justice, Colorado
http://dcj.state.co.us/
Violence Free Colorado
https://www.violencefreecolorado.org/resources/
Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking
https://combathumantrafficking.org/
Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault
https://www.ccasa.org/
The Blue Bench
https://thebluebench.org/
Colorado Crisis Services
https://coloradocrisisservices.org/
Colorado Coalition for Elder Rights and Abuse Prevention
https://www.ccerap.org/
Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center
https://www.rmvictimlaw.org/
The Phoenix Center at Auraria
https://www.thepca.org/
Contact us
Christine Foote-Lucero, Forensic Program Manager
[email protected]
Dr. Christina Yannetsos, Forensic Program Medical Director
[email protected]
Erin Aschman, Forensic Program Assistant Manager
[email protected]
Contact Us at 720.848.8451