Registered Nurse (RN) - Forensics

Forensic Nurse Examiner

The Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Emergency Services Department is a state of the art 27 bed facility that is the only designated Trauma Center within 350 miles. Our adventurous nurses set Fairbanks Memorial Hospital apart. From subzero temperatures to sunny solstice days, the nursing staff is community focused and places people first, always.

The Forensic Nursing team is a vital subunit of the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Emergency Services Department. Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNE) provide evidence-based, timely, non-judgmental care to victims of trauma and violence, to include but not limited to Intimate Partner Violence, Child Abuse and Neglect, Strangulation, Elder Abuse and Neglect, and Sexual Assault and Abuse. Essential duties include medical-forensic assessments, examinations, patient care, injury description and documentation, and DNA and/or trace evidence collection, per Forensic Nursing Services (FNS) program policies and procedures, medical standing orders, and memorandums of understanding with partnering law enforcement and advocacy agencies. Develops discharge plans of care that address the patients' needs and contain appropriate referrals. Additionally, Forensic Nurses communicate with law enforcement, OCS, and advocacy when appropriate, and provide expert testimony in court when subpoenaed.

While working in an acute care environment, this position assesses, plans, implements, evaluates, and documents nursing care of acute patients. This position provides care in accordance with organizational policies and in accordance with standards of professional nursing practice, utilizing the framework for professional nursing practice and development. This position is accountable for the quality of nursing services delivered by self or others who are under his/her direction. This position utilizes specialized knowledge, judgment, and nursing skills necessary to assess data, plan, provide, and evaluate care appropriate to the physical and developmental age of assigned patients.

• Professional certification in SANE-A and/or SANE-P preferred, or ability to obtain such within a timeframe to be determined at time of hire.
• Ability to perform independent work and make high-judgment, evidence-based decisions
• Ability to perform work effectively within a team/group setting
• Proficient computer literacy skills
• Must demonstrate the ability to respectfully and compassionately communicate with patients, their family members and/or support people, other personnel, law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and physicians

Full Time; Varied; 36hr/wk; 12hr Shifts/ Nights

***Call Required***Must have own vehicle

Willing to train the right person!! Unfortunately at this time we are not taking new grads.

* Retention Incentive, Relocation & transitional housing assistance are available for experienced RNs!*

Responsibilities

• Assesses patient physical, psychological, social, spiritual, educational, developmental, cultural, and discharge planning needs. Reviews patient history and physical with patient/family and assures completion within appropriate timeframe. Reviews available information obtained by other health care team members. Reviews diagnostics and laboratory data and reports abnormal results to the physician(s) and other appropriate caregivers. Completes assessment and reassessments according to patient need and as outlined in policy.
• Formulates a plan of care, including the discharge plan, utilizing assessment data and patient, family and health team input. Initiates a plan of care based on patient-specific needs, assessment data and the medical plan of care. Goals for patient are realistic, measurable and developed in conjunction with the patient/family. Considers the physical, cultural, psychosocial, spiritual, age specific and educational needs of the patient in the plan of are. Plans care in collaboration with members of the multidisciplinary team. Reviews and revises the plan of care to reflect changing patient needs based on evaluation of the patient's status.
• Implements the plan of care through direct patient care, coordination, delegation, and supervision of the activities of the health care team. Provides care based on physician orders and the nursing plan of care. Provides care in compliance with policies and procedures, standards of care, and regulatory agency requirements. Delegates appropriately, and provides nursing supervision in the provision of care to patients by other licensed nurses and other personnel. Promotes continuity of care by accurately and completely communicating to other caregivers the status of patients for whom care is provided.
• Evaluates patient and family response to care and teaching, and revises the plan of care as needed. Evaluates patient progress towards goals and expected outcomes in collaboration with other health care team members. Evaluates patient response and the effectiveness of teaching.
• Documents assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation in the patient record. Documentation is legible, timely, and in accordance with policy. Documentation reflects objective/subjective data, nursing interventions and patient response to treatment. Notes physician orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Provides care based on the best evidence available, and may participate in research activities within clinical practice. Participates in unit or facility shared leadership. Interacts and participates in the education, role development, and orientation of facility personnel, patients, students, families and visitors. Promotes/supports growth of others by acting as a preceptor or mentor when appropriate.
• Contributes to society through activities that lead to excellent patient outcomes through timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and safe care. Actively participates in the improvement of national nursing quality indicators and outcomes. Such activities may include participating in professional organizations.
• In some roles, this position may supervise staff and work flow of the department.

Qualifications

Must possess a valid current or temporary Alaska RN license. Requires the knowledge and skills normally demonstrated by an Associate's degree in nursing. BLS certification is required. May require ACLS, PALS, or additional certification and/or continuing education based on area of practice. Requires creative thinking, prioritizing, and flexible problem solving skills. Also requires the ability to communicate clearly in both verbal and written forms. Bachelor's degree preferred. Professional certification preferred. Experience working in an acute care setting within the past 12 months as a Registered Nurse in the specialty area. Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

Foundation Health Partners is an EEO/AAP employer; qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.