TAMIU SANE Boot Camp Concludes with Courtroom Training, Community Support

Texas A&M International University's (TAMIU) third SANE Boot Camp, "Beyond the Basics," culminated recently with a simulated trial at the 49th District Court, completing three days of intensive forensic nursing instruction for the region's Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) workforce.

Hosted by TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Advanced Nurse Education Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (TAMIU-SANE) Program and funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Bootcamp drew SANE trainees from throughout South Texas.

With growing participation from across the region, the TAMIU-SANE Program is expanding its community of practice beyond Laredo with a mission to train trauma-informed nurses serving underserved communities along the U.S.–México border and beyond, said Dr. Robert Morán, principal investigator for the TAMIU-SANE Program and clinical assistant professor.

“Through mentorship, advanced training, and collaborative partnerships, the TAMIU-SANE Program continues to build a resilient, trauma-informed, justice-ready nursing workforce dedicated to serving vulnerable populations throughout the region,” Dr. Morán said.

Dr. Marivic Torregosa, the TAMIU-SANE co-principal investigator and associate professor, said the training serves to empower nurses.

“This training reflects our mission to not only educate but also empower nurses to serve with skill and compassion,” she said.

The third SANE Boot Camp culminated with a simulated trial at the 49th District Court.

Boot Camp training included trauma-informed care, forensic simulations, courtroom readiness and critical case review.

The first two days of training at TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences included pediatric, adolescent, and adult standardized patient simulations, which gave participants hands-on experience with evidence collection, clinical decision-making, and trauma-informed communication.

On the third day, trainees participated in a simulated trial at the 49th District Court, presided over by Judge Joe López. Nurses practiced essential skills for accurately communicating clinical findings in court including delivering direct testimony and undergoing cross-examination with the assistance of attorneys from the Laredo District Attorney's Office.

A special feature of the Boot Camp was a community partner panel that included representatives from the Webb County District Attorney’s Office, Casa De Misericordia, Serving Children and Adults in Need (SCAN), the Children’s Advocacy Center of Laredo, Child Protective Services and the Laredo Police Department, and Judge López.

Community leaders who work directly with survivors of sexual assault expressed their support for the TAMIU-SANE Program and its role in improving access to trauma-informed care in Laredo and the surrounding areas.

Sister Rosemary Welsh, executive director of Casa de Misericordia, underscored the progress made through the TAMIU-SANE initiative.

“Over the years, attempts were made to look for solutions to this trying and difficult reality," Sister Welsh said, "I have been a member of the TAMIU-SANE stakeholder group since 2018, and I believe that, if not perfect, we have turned the corner in our unified healthcare response to the issue of sexual assault.”

Dr. Severita Sánchez, executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Laredo-Webb County, focused on the importance of building local capacity.

“The SANE program at TAMIU is vital," Dr. Sánchez said, "By training local nurses, Laredo is building a future where every survivor has access to skilled and compassionate care.”

Isela S. Dabdoub, CEO of SCAN, emphasized the value of trained SANEs during survivors' most vulnerable moments.

“Our community is so fortunate to have trained SANE nurses to provide complete and compassionate care to sexual assault survivors at a time when the survivor is most vulnerable and highly distressed” Dabdoub said.

For questions or program inquiries, contact María Del Rosario Benavides, TAMIU-SANE program manager, at 956.326.2575 or email maria.benavides@tamiu.edu

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SANE Boot Camp participants