Forensic Nurse Examiner - PRN

Forensic Nurse Examiner

A Forensic Nurse Examiner is specially trained and certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing to provide comprehensive care to adults, adolescents and children who have been impacted by sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse, human trafficking and non-intentional trauma. The Examiner works independently under the general direction of the Forensic Nurse Examiner Manager.

The following job description covers the most significant duties performed, but does not exclude other work assignments not mentioned.

Principal Duties:

1. Performs forensic evidentiary examinations on victims and alleged perpetrators in connection with chronic or acute physical, sexual, or domestic assaults, and specifically:

a. Provides timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to patients with a complaint of sexual assault utilizing a clinical process.

b. Obtains consent from the subject or custodial/proper authority prior to the examination relative to photography and evidence collection.

c. Performs evidentiary physical assessments using ALS when indicated based on evidence-based research and unit-based training.

d. Completes the Physical Evidence Kit required by law enforcement authorities.

e. Photographs patients and injuries as training indicates using proper technique.

f. Ensures compliance with Chain of Custody requirements.

2. Interfaces with law enforcement officials, crime labs, prosecutors, and other authorized stakeholders concerning forensic processes and outcomes to include providing expert testimony in judicial proceedings.

3. Provides testing, prophylactic treatment, prescription refills and related education to patients who potentially may have been exposed to HIV during their assault.

4. Participates in peer reviews, staff meetings and SART meetings.

5. Performs related work as assigned.

Customer Service:

1. Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.

2. Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as "How may I be of help to you?" using the customer's name as soon as it is learned.

3. Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.

4. Keeps customer's information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.

5. Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.

6. Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer's expectations have not been met.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

1. Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.

2. Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.

3. Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.

4. Mindful and respectful of others' time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.

5. Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department.

Communication Etiquette:

1. Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility's service communication protocol in all interactions.

2. Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.

3. Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).

4. Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).

5. Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.

6. Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.

7. Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).

8. Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self-Management:

1. Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital's dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.

2. Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.

3. Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.

4. Follows UMCRH safety, infection control and employee health standards.

5. Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.

6. Adhere to all UMCRH and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards. Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times.

7. Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCRH and/or departmental confidentiality statement

Qualifications:

Licensure/Certification/Registration Required:

Current Maryland license in good standing as a Registered Nurse. FNE - A, FNE-P or both. Life Support Certification:

Basic Life Support Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP)

Education/Knowledge (see attached explanation sheet):

Attained Level: Associate's Degree

Preferred: Bachelor's Degree

Completed Course Work/Program: Nursing and including thorough knowledge of current and emerging forensic and evidentiary examination principles, methodologies and techniques and laws and regulations.

Extensive knowledge of documentation protocols related to injury examinations including DNA swab collection, forensic photography, use of body maps and injury description. Thorough knowledge of applicable Chain of Custody regulations.

Applicable Experience:

Experience (years): Required: 2 years in a clinical setting Preferred: 3-5 years in a clinical setting including 2 years in Emergency Medicine

Technical/Clinical Skills:

Microsoft Office Suite Skill Level (see attached explanation sheet)

Word: Intermediate

Excel: Basic

PowerPoint: Basic

Basic knowledge and working experience with Medical Terminology

Standard Office Equipment (list): Medical Equipment (list): As related to forensic examinations.

Communication Skills & Abilities (see attached explanation sheet)

Select highest applicable level: Effective oral and written skills and able to provide empathy Bilingual: Preferred

Problem Solving/Analytical Skills & Abilities (see attached explanation sheet) Technical application of detailed if not complex processes and factual interpretation

Level of Supervision Required limited

Contacts Inside & Outside Facility/Corporation (see attached explanation sheet)

Outside company to give technical information

Transportation (Work-related) (see attached explanation sheet) Required

Business Travel Outside of Region Infrequently, if any.

Working Conditions (Check all that apply):

• Lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds
• Stooping and bending
• Reaching and grasping objects
• Grasping and fine manipulation with hands
• Using a keyboard to interact with computer system
• Proofreading and/or reviewing documents
• Ability to communicate verbally
• Color Vision
• Ability to hear
• Exposure to hazardous materials requiring the use of protective dress