Forensic Nurse

Major Responsibilities:

• The FNE/SANE nurse will conduct a forensic examination of the patient, cataloging evidence of physical or sexual abuse that may be used in a court case or police proceedings. Additionally, the FNE/SANE nurse will conduct a forensic interview, asking the victim about the incident(s) of abuse.
• During the forensic examination, the FNE/SANE nurse may be required to collect specimens and DNA samples, take photographs of bruises and other injuries, and conduct a detailed physical and genital examination based on patient preference.
• The FNE/SANE nurse’s primary goal is to ensure that the patient receives the necessary medical care and to provide guidance and support throughout any required treatments.
• Provides work direction to the FNE/SANE staff responsibility for the coordination of resources to efficiently support procedures, day-to-day operations, and the smooth flow of patients through the department.
• Provides support for direct patient care by performing the nursing process to deliver safe, therapeutic, and quality care through assessment of patients, establishment and implementation of the nursing care plan, and evaluation of clinical outcomes when necessary. Promotes an environment conducive to the delivery of safe, efficient, and quality patient care.
• Acts as a resource to employees, which includes training/orienting, providing day-to-day work direction, and giving input on performance. Assigns, monitors, and reviews progress and accuracy of work, directs efforts and provides guidance on more complex issues in collaboration with the unit leadership.
• Monitors employee assignments, maintains staff scheduling, evaluates staffing levels, and adjusts as necessary to maintain productivity level established for assigned area(s).
• Monitors the quality of care provided. Assists in ensuring policies and procedures are followed in compliance with the medical center, the Nursing department, and based on International Association of Forensic Nursing guidelines.
• Works with management in developing new and existing programs and services.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required:

• Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices, and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months.

Education Required:

• Completion of an accredited or approved program in Nursing.
• IL based nurses will be required to obtain a certificate of completion from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) following the completion of the didactic training and clinical log prior to practicing independently.
• WI based nurses will be required to complete didactic training and clinical skills training prior to practicing independently as a forensic nurse examiner.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 2-3 years of experience in clinical nursing within an acute care setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Demonstrates a holistic approach to nursing practice committed to meeting the needs of the patient and family.
• Clinical and technical knowledge in area(s) of specialty.
• Ability to apply evidence-based interventions and nursing skills/technology to correlate to the patient’s response to an individualized plan of care.
• Ability to recognize situational changes that require unplanned interventions.
• Proficient computer skills including keyboarding, navigation within a windows operating system, use of electronic mail and electronic medical records systems.
• Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates human relation skills with the ability to develop rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with a variety of patients, staff and physicians.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively make critical, independent decisions and the ability to think ahead, anticipate learning needs and take preventive actions.
• Demonstrates time management skills with an ability to multi-task and prioritize.
• Skilled at coaching and developing employees to achieve the quality and service standards of the International Association of Forensic Nurses

Certification Addendum:

• Certification encouraged is the International Association of Forensic Nursing Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Pediatric (SANE-P) certifications.
  

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders, and twist frequently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist, lift up to 20 lbs. over the head, carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to: push/pull with 30 lbs. of force, perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Position requires use of foot pedals on carts or machines.
• May be exposed to chemical and hazardous waste as well as blood and body fluids and communicable disease. Therefore, protective clothing and equipment must be worn as necessary.
• Must have functional speech, vision, hearing, and touch with ability to use fine hand manipulation skills for IV insertion and other procedures/functions.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.