Registered Nurse - Forensic Nurse Examiner

Forensic Nurse

Part Time (32 Hours Biweekly) Rotating Shifts On Call 24/7 x 7 days, Off 7 days On Call regionally for ED forensics

General Summary

Providing objective forensic medical evaluation following the scope and standards of forensic nursing practice. The medical forensic exam is an examination of a patient impacted by violence or neglect. The registered nurse performing the examination is required to have specialized education and clinical experience in the collection of forensic evidence and public health concerns to assist in the treatment of these patients.

Duties and Responsibilities Essential Functions:

• Gathers information from the patient for the medical forensic history; an examination; coordinating treatment of injuries, documentation of biological and physical findings, and collection of evidence from the patient; documentation of findings; information, treatment, and referrals. The exam is referred to as the "forensic medical examination" under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
• Provides courtroom testimony when required.
• Assists other disciplines with forensic care concerns when necessary.
• Uses a multidisciplinary approach when providing forensic care.
• Variation of duties may result based on the assigned customer care unit(s). This may include differences in the specific clinical skills required of the RN. Unit based skill lists outline expectations beyond the house wide RN requirements. SYS-NURS-L Nursing Education Requirements Policy outlines current certification(s) required for specific areas of nursing practice and is considered to be part of the job description.
• In addition to requirements specified in the license and certification section below, current BLS certification for all areas of nursing practice is required. Current certification may be required for the following areas of nursing practice: Emergency Care Center – ACLS, PALS Intensive Care Center & MSCC Lead – ACLS, PALSL&D – ACLS, NRP, - Experienced L&D nurses will obtain within 6 months and new L&D nurses will obtain at 1 year of experienceNICU – NRPPEDS – PALSPCC/PACU/ENDO – ACLS, PALSProcedural – ACLS

Common Expectations:

• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
• Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required.
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Enhances professional growth and development through advanced/continuing education to maintain up-to-date knowledge, skills, and competencies.
• Responsible for the care and maintenance of department/entity equipment and supplies.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

Physical Demands:

• Standing - Frequently
• Walking - Frequently
• Sitting - Occasionally
• Carrying/Lifting - Occasionally (50lbs)
• Pushing/Pulling - Occasionally (50lbs)
• Kneeling/Crouching - Occasionally
• Reaching - Occasionally
• Talking - Frequently
• Hearing - Frequently
• Repetitive Motions - Occasionally
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Occasionally

Working Environment:

• Occupational Hazards - Occasionally
• Bloodborne Pathogen - Exposure

Qualifications Minimum Education:

• Associates Degree Required
• Bachelors Degree Preferred

Work Experience:

• 2 years Emergency department or equivalent acute care experience. Required

Licenses:

• Licensed Registered Nurse Upon Hire Required or
• Registered Nurse Multi State License Upon Hire Required and
• Heartsaver CPR/AED Upon Hire Required and
• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent Upon Hire Preferred and
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric/Adolescent Upon Hire Preferred

Courses and Training:

• Certification in appropriate nursing specialty. Upon Hire Preferred