How a lack of sexual assault nurse examiners is affecting Oregon’s North Coast

A file photo of the Astoria-Megler Bridge. There are no accredited sexual assault nurse examiners dependent in Astoria. For individuals who select to report their assault, this shortage of specialized nurses usually means survivors have to vacation to Portland for an evaluation.
Alan Sylvestre / OPB
There are no certified sexual assault nurse examiners primarily based on Oregon’s North Coastline. Presently, there is a person certified nurse who is based mostly in Portland and is effective intermittently in Astoria. This means for those people who decide on to report their assault, they will probable will need to vacation to Portland for an assessment when this nurse is unavailable. Survivors are normally told to hold out for various several hours until finally a certified or properly trained nurse is available and are also instructed not to shower or change dresses for the duration of this ready interval, discouraging numerous from continuing the approach. Abbey McDonald is a reporter for The Astorian. She joins us to share more on her reporting and how the lack of these specialized nurses are impacting Oregon’s North Coastline.
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