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Forensic nurse services

Compassionate treatment for those who have experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence or abuse.

If you have been sexually assaulted or a victim of intimate partner violence, you have experienced a serious personal trauma affecting the mind, body and spirit. You did not deserve it and it is not your fault.

If you've experienced violence in your life, you have immediate access to compassionate, sensitive medical care and treatment. Forensic nurse examiners (FNEs) are specially trained nurses who evaluate patients for health risks associated with sexual assault, intimate partner violence or abuse and provide appropriate treatment.

Remember: Sexual assault is a crime, and you have the right to report it if you wish.

Regardless of whether you choose to report the assault, there are a variety of support services, including crisis intervention, counseling, support groups, medical care and legal help available. 

Violence is a significant public health problem. Understanding is the first step toward intervention. We are here to support you. There is hope and you are not alone.

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What to expect from forensic nurse services

At your request, you can see a specially trained nurse within 10 days of an assault. The nurse will explain procedures and tests and answer any questions you may have. 

Some services you can expect may include:

  • identification and care for injuries
  • preventive treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
  • emergency pregnancy prevention
  • assistance with reporting to law enforcement
  • collection of evidence 
  • crisis intervention and referral to support services
  • referrals for appropriate medical follow-up
  • safety planning

You'll also receive follow-up, referral information and support to make choices about your health care needs. 

Allina Health Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNE) are available 24 hours a day at the following hospitals to care for patients who have experienced violence:

There are many services available in Minnesota to help victims of sexual assault and violence. This list includes crisis phone numbers you can call for help.

Good to know about forensic nurse services

Your information is private and confidential. Your exam and medications provided are paid for by the county and the emergency room. A forensic nurse can help you file a police report. If you are not ready to make a police report, your evidence will be labeled with a unique ID and stored at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for up to 30 months.

Forensic Nurse Examiners can visit schools and community groups to educate students and adults about:

  • sexual violence
  • health issues related to sexual violence
  • drug-facilitated sexual assault
  • intimate partner violence
  • child abuse
  • safety issues
  • dating violence
  • healthy relationships

Child sexual abuse. Allina Health performs sexual assault exams on ages 13 and older. For children younger than 13-years-old, contact Midwest Children's Resource Center at 651-220-6750. 

Sex trafficking. Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

For more on education options or patient care questions, contact Amy Schmitz, RN, SANE at amy.schmitz@allina.com or 763-236-4172. You can also contact lead forensic nurse Kelly Nelson-Cichosz, RN, SANE at kelly.nelson-cichosz@allina.com or 763-236-4170. 

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Allina Health Everyday Clinic

This is a retail clinic location. We offer basic services for minor injuries and illnesses for patients 18 months and older. We do not see visits for workers' or injury compensation.

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Everyday On Wheels

Everyday On Wheels mobile clinic is not wheel chair accessible due to the size of the vehicle. Patients should be able to safely climb a short set of stairs to enter the mobile clinic.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time and have your mobile phone available for the provider to contact you when they are ready to see you.

We've changed how we provide some services with your care and safety in mind. Expanded virtual care services are available to schedule online. You can also call your clinic for help finding the best option.

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What’s the reason for your visit?

Only these primary care appointments can be scheduled online. For all other appointments or with any questions, call 1-888-425-5462.

Health insurance coverage for physicals varies depending on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage, especially if you've scheduled less than a year from your last physical exam.
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