Forensic Nurse Examiner (RN) - Emergency Department

Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs) conduct forensic examinations of victims of sexual assault or otherwise impacted by violence in a compassionate manner. A forensic exam may include a medical-forensic exam, prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, photographic documentation and referrals for appropriate follow-up support.

Job Description

Essential Functions

• Ability to respond to UVA Health within one hour of page.

• On call shifts as needed to ensure clinical coverage.

• Experience as a forensic nurse a plus; training provided.

• Practices within scope, requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and take appropriate action.

• Pursues professional growth and development as a member of the SANE program on a continuous basis.

SANE RN Responsibilities

• The FNE's objective is to provide knowledgeable caring clinical practice and care coordination with the healthcare teams.

• Provides compassionate & prompt care and services to survivors of sexual assault or abuse.

• Communicates with survivors and their families regarding evidence collection, treatment recommendations and reporting to law enforcement in a manner that promotes informed decisions.

• Participates in mandatory reporting of child abuse, and other abuse/assault as defined by law and clearly and empathetically communicates with the patient and/or family as needed.

• Provides fact and expert testimony as needed in court.

• Provides recommendations for nursing care of injuries and prophylactic medications to medical team. Refers to appropriate support team members for further resources as necessary.

• Integrates knowledge, skills and experiences to meet the needs of patients and families throughout the continuum.

• The FNE communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others. Has respect for and understanding of other clinical disciplines.

• Is responsible for taking photographs and documenting injuries in accordance with application guidelines and policies.

• Collects, processes, ensures and maintains appropriate chain of custody of evidence clinical specimens and forensic medical records.

• Documents all care with appropriate attention to detail and best practices.

• Provides referrals to appropriate services for patient.

• Coordinates with law enforcement and community-based advocates when applicable.

• Provides patient education regarding exam, procedures, treatment, STI prevention, pregnancy prevention and follow-up care.

• Provide written documentation and photographic documentation of injuries to physically and sexually abused/assault adolescents and adults.

• Provides continuous assessment, consults with other team members as required and provides nursing care which demonstrates patient-centered and patient-valued care

• Must be able to demonstrate patient-centered and patient-valued behaviors.

We are seeking a capable clinician, focused on expanding knowledge and skills. Consistently provides effective direct care, as part of the interdisciplinary team, to a variety of complex patients. Manages care and implements treatment plans at a refined skill level in collaboration with patients, their families, physicians and other members of the health care team. Seeks as well as provides feedback for improved clinical practice. Assumes a beginning leadership role but seeks mentoring in this process.

ANA Scope and Standards of Practice definition of nursing:

Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, facilitation of healing, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities and populations.

This job description integrates the ANA 2015 Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, Third Edition and the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2015), and the UVA Nursing Professional Practice Model.

• Relationship Based Care - Self and Colleagues: reflects the influence of the nurse's relationship with self, colleagues and patient/family on the patient experience.

• Relationship Based Care - Patients and Families: reflects the influence of the nurse's relationship with self, colleagues and patient/family on the patient experience.

• Expert Caring: encompasses clinical assessment, planning, prioritizing, coordinating and implementation of care.

• Empowered Leaders: demonstrate knowledge of and actively participate in shared governance.

• Lifelong Learners: encompasses professional development through formal education, professional certification, internal and external learning opportunities and recognizes the value of external professional organizations. Supports onboarding of new team members and precepts as applicable.

• Quality Achievement: includes adherence to clinical documentation guidelines, comprehension of outcomes data, engagement in performance improvement activities and commitment to standard work.

• Innovation: is demonstrated by application of technologies that support patient care, actively seeking to implement evidence based practice and new knowledge generated by nursing research.

• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program required. Bachelor of Science in Nursing required within 5 years of hire.

Experience: 1 year of relevant experience.

Licensure: Licensed to Practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling, bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 20 - 50lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

The starting base rate for this role is $39.90 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings

• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts

• Certification and education support

• Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .