Darlene Schoonard rises to meet challenges. In the 1980s, Schoonard cared for her beloved grandmother while she battling cancer.
“My grandmother was very supportive of me becoming a nurse. She would tell everyone that I was going to become a nurse,” Schoonard recalled.
After her grandmother died, the busy working mom followed her dream. Schoonard worked full-time as a nurse’s aide and attended college part-time. She graduated from Marion Technical College in 1990.
The registered nurse worked in surgical units and emergency rooms at Galion Hospital.
A New Career Path
She moved to Marion General Hospital in 2000, just as the forensic nursing program was getting started. Administrators needed the right person to help survivors of sexual assault document their injuries and receive care.
After turning down the opportunity several times, Schoonard decided to pray about it. She finally decided to give it a try.
“I took the training. Every day, I would come home and say I couldn’t go back – but I did. It intrigued me but I wasn’t sure I could handle the emotional piece,” Schoonard said.
The decision led to a new career path.
“Discovering the field of forensics has been a life-changing experience. It is a privilege to work with victims of crime. There is so much work to be done in order to help victims become survivors,” Schoonard said.
Leading The Way
In 2005, Schoonard became the Sexual Assault Nursing Examiner (SANE) program coordinator and wrote the book on how to best collect evidence and support patients.
“Several things helped my passion develop. First of all, it’s the patient – knowing that you’re sharing a horrible experience with someone, but you are helping them start their journey in healing,” Schoonard said. “It speaks volumes to sit there and listen. It really does help their journey because they have found someone who believes them, who is helping them, and who is making sure they are physically okay.”
Schoonard trained other nurses to meet high professional standards.
“We have to be unbiased. There are a lot of myths out there about sexual assault or victims. We need to be an active listener. We must not victim-blame. They’ve probably already been blamed before they arrived,” Schoonard said.
Expanding Program to Help Children and Seniors
Schoonard expanded the program to serve children close to home. She and her team served more than 1,000 pediatric patients. They also provided expert testimony in court.
“It’s rewarding because I was able to be that person’s voice – especially if it’s a child, because they don’t usually put a child on the stand. It’s rewarding to be able to be that child’s voice,” Schoonard said.
Schoonard expanded the program to include training on domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse and sex trafficking. She served on the Sexual Assault Response Team for Marion and surrounding counties.
Statewide Leadership Roles & Awards
This community leader educated doctors, prosecutors, law enforcement and school personnel. She also became a statewide leader. She served as president of the Ohio Chapter of the International Association of Forensic Nurses and served on the Ohio Sexual Assault Advisory Board.
The forensic nursing team received several awards from Marion County Children’s Services. In 2023, Schoonard was inducted into the Marion Technical College Alumni Hall of Fame.
“Darlene is the perfect example of what can be accomplished with a degree from Marion Technical College,” said Sheree Ford, Forensic Nurse Coordinator for OhioHealth. “She was one of the pioneers of forensics in this community. I know that she did a fantastic job because I see the fruits of her labor every day.”
Enjoying Retirement
While many SANE nurses burn out in 5 years, Schoonard lasted 18. After a 30-year career in nursing, Schoonard retired to spend more time with her granddaughter.
“I just love being a grandma. It just helps things come full circle, because I was so close to my grandmother, and I had that honor of taking care of her,” Schoonard said.
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