Apr 23, 2021

Local forensics nurse honored with Visionary Voice Award

Posted Apr 23, 2021 10:29 AM

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The National Sexual Violence Resource Center recently announced a Hays nurse was one of the recipients of its 2021 Visionary Voice Awards.

The center recognized Jessica Albers, sexual assault nurse examiner, as one of 29 recipients of the award. Albers is part of the forensics nursing program at HaysMed and is a state consultant with the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.

Jessica Albers
Jessica Albers

This is a diverse group of honorees from across the country who represent a wide range of disciplines. They were selected for their outstanding work toward ending sexual harassment, misconduct and abuse.

“We’re honored to present this year’s Visionary Voice Awards to these change makers who are committed to supporting survivors and preventing sexual violence, even during a year of unprecedented challenges and crises,” said center Executive Director Yolanda Edrington.

“This year’s awards also recognize groups and organizations that are bringing individuals together to support survivors and make meaningful change in their communities,” Edrington said.

Albers has been a sexual assault nurse examiner for more than 10 years, and is board-certified in the care of adult, adolescent and pediatric patients.

She is the statewide sexual assault nurse examiner clinical consultant for the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence and also practices as a forensic nurse at the University of Kansas Health System, HaysMed.

She is the president elect of the Kansas Chapter of International Association of Forensic Nurses.

She was instrumental in updating the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit to reflect current best practices.

Albers is committed to educating multidisciplinary partners across the state on topics, such as sexual violence, elder abuse, child abuse, interpersonal violence and non-fatal strangulation.

She has assisted in developing several  sexual assault nurse examiner programs in rural Kansas. She implemented an annual two-day  sexual assault nurse examiner clinical training, which uses live models to provide a hands on experience for nurses from across the state.

Albers trains emergency departments on providing sexual assault forensic examinations in the 76 percent of hospitals across Kansas that do not have a sexual assault nurse examiner program available.