more questions answered affirmatively , the more likely the patient was to be a human trafficking victim .
Though this screening tool has not been implemented beyond the research project , Abdoo hopes to see it used in emergency rooms across Children ’ s Colorado ’ s system of care soon . She says the findings demonstrate the impact of designing solutions specifically for kids .
“ There is a whole group of youth who are much more comfortable talking on their phone or texting than having a personal discussion ,” she explains . “ Asking these sensitive questions in a tablet form is really good for meeting adolescents and youth where they are .”
high priority on mentorship and training for fellow members of the SANE program .
“ It ’ s important for me to be able to provide that mentorship to a group of nurses who have said that this is something that they want to do and help them through the process of compartmentalizing really terrible things ,” she says . “ I think with good mentorship , people will be able to figure out a way to stay in a position that has meaning to them for a long period of time .”
That ’ s critical , as sex trafficking is not only a pervasive problem , but also an underreported one due to the difficulty of getting kids to open up . The screening tablet takes aim at this specific issue , but it ’ s not the only tool the team has . The SANE program also relies on help from a more low-tech solution : dogs .
For years , the program has partnered with the Children ’ s Colorado Medical Dog Program to ease patients ’ anxiety and fear . Dogs like Ralph , a golden retriever who became the hospital ’ s first full-time medical dog in 2019 , have played an integral role in helping adolescent survivors of sexual assault and exploitation .
“ The kids in her care benefit from her unending compassion and dedication to her work .”
PAT GIVENS , DHA , EDM , RN , NEA-BC
“ Ralph ( who retired in 2021 ) was really good at coming and getting kids to open up . He would come in , and kids would talk about him , or he would be able to do a trick with them — a high five , a knuckles — and that would get some kids to come out of their shell ,” Abdoo says . “ The dogs provide some of that focus and distraction so that kids are able to allow us to do an exam and talk about their bodies in a way that they might not have been able to do otherwise .”
Abdoo says she loves the medical dogs , and dogs in general , for the levity and listening ears they lend for people like her who deal daily with trauma and difficult subjects . Indeed , the field reports a high burnout rate , taking invaluable nurses away from an important role . That ’ s why Abdoo places such
Despite the challenges associated with her work , Abdoo is incredibly proud of all she ’ s accomplished , and of the work of her team members . She says that though unexpected , earning recognition as a Magnet Nurse of the Year has been a bright spot in a difficult year .
“ It was quite an honor being able to say , ‘ My work is recognized ,’ especially when this is work that people don ' t want to talk about ,” she says . “ It was affirming to have 20 years of a career validated in this public forum .”
2021 Nursing & PCS Year in Review