A Revolution in Forensic Nursing
For Nurses. By Nurses.

We care for
the ones who
do the caring.

Survivors of violence deserve expert forensic nursing care. Forensic nurses deserve training, renewal, and a community that keeps them competent, confident, and in their calling.

ReLAB delivers.
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The Crisis

Too few nurses.
Too much trauma.
Too many patients.

15–20
victims of violence every minute in the United States deserve access to specialized, trauma-informed forensic nursing care

Forensic nurses—many working on top of a full-time primary nursing role—face constant exposure to vivid narratives of violence. Vicarious trauma and burnout perpetuate nurse exodus from the specialty, leaving survivors without the expert care they deserve.

↑ High
turnover means compounding costs in recruiting, onboarding, and training — plus the invisible toll on nurses who stay without adequate support and on unreached patients.
66%
of forensic nurses report vicarious or secondary trauma — linked to patient care, worsened by moral injury and colleague turnover.
8%
of forensic nurses stayed in the role beyond 2 years — reflecting the urgent need for sustainable support and renewal.
Our Two Pillars

Train. Renew. Repeat.

Two synergistic programs — cutting-edge ethical training and deep restoration — designed by nurses, for nurses.

01
Pillar One

ReIMAGINE Training

Ethical, immersive AI VR simulations where virtual survivors react authentically to trauma-informed care. Nurses build muscle memory safely, before any real patient encounter.

  • Full Sexual Assault Nurse Exam simulation scenarios
  • Trauma-informed care practiced throughout the encounter
  • Branching AI responses mirroring real patient dynamics
  • Zero harm to patient-actors — ethically sustainable
  • Personalized feedback on the encounter and nurse charting
Technology Partner Intulect ↗
Intulect AI VR Simulation — Dynamic AI Patients
Watch: AI-Facilitated Simulation Demo

Intulect's AI responds dynamically to nurse behavior — building real clinical instincts safely, without patient-actors.

02
Pillar Two

ReNEW Wellbeing

Restorative retreats in extraordinary natural settings — the California Redwoods, Lake Superior's shores — fueling nurses up with nature, nurture, and trauma-informed care.

  • ReNEW in the Redwoods at 1440 Multiversity
  • ReNEW on Lake Superior at Wild Rice Retreat Center
  • Sustainable, organic nourishment and intentional rest
  • Community connection and purposeful solitude
  • Renewal benefits that spillover to families, colleagues, and patients
Explore Renewal Experiences
Join ReLAB
ReLAB is a revolution by nurses, for nurses — so that every survivor can access the expert, compassionate care they deserve.
— Carolyn M. Porta, PhD, MPH, RN, SANE-A, FAAN · ReLAB Co-Founder
From Our Community

What Forensic Nursing Means

It means lending calm during chaos, providing care when injured, giving support when feeling alone, allowing space when it feels like everything is closing in.

Denise B. · Forensic Nurse

It's my calling. I can meet patients at their worst and do a job that many don't do.

Jessica C. · SANE

At the end of a visit when my patient starts to exhale — as they have been heard, cared for, and have a plan — that's why I stay.

Wendy K. · Forensic Nurse
About ReLAB

The People Behind the Revolution

ReLAB is a University of Minnesota Start-Up built by forensic nurses, for forensic nurses — bringing together clinical expertise, leadership, and a shared commitment to transforming the specialty.

Leadership Team
Carolyn PortaCEOCo-Founder
Ellen FrerichCOOCo-Founder
Sarah HoffmanMentorship LeadCo-Founder
Cynthia BradleyVR / Simulation Lead
Board of Directors
  • Carolyn PortaPresidentDirector
  • Ellen FrerichVice President & SecretaryDirector
  • Connie DelaneyDirector
  • Chris DillonDirector
  • Linda HalconDirector(2025-2026)
  • Ken HorstmanDirector
  • Rochelle JohnsonDirector
  • John LittlewolfDirector
Community Advisory Board
  • Alisha Blazevic
  • Holly Fratzke
  • August Glomski
  • Alla Hassan
  • Christina Love
  • Kaylen Moore
  • Jacqueline Callari Robinson
  • Kate Vaske-Wright
Collaborators
Training
Intulect
Renewal
1440 Multiversity 1440 Multiversity Foundation Charlson Meadows Usona Institute Wild Rice Retreat Center