Emergency Room Forensic Nurse

Forensic Nurse

The Forensic Nurse provides comprehensive, trauma-informed forensic nursing care to victims of violence across the lifespan who present to Meritus Health. This role integrates evidence-based clinical practice with forensic principles to support patient care, evidence collection, and collaboration with multidisciplinary partners involved in investigation and treatment. The Forensic Nurse maintains clinical competency and participates in ongoing education in accordance with the Maryland Board of Nursing requirements.

Provide comprehensive forensic nursing care to victims of violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, abuse, and other trauma-related presentations.

Deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care across the lifespan in a sensitive, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed manner.

Conduct forensic examinations, documentation, and evidence collection in accordance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards.

Coordinate care with a multidisciplinary team, including law enforcement, advocacy services, social work, and other healthcare providers involved in the patient's care and investigation.

Provide patient education, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate community resources.

Maintain clinical competency and participate in continuing education related to medical and forensic issues as outlined by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Adhere to Meritus Health policies, procedures, and quality standards.

Experience - Minimum of one-year acute care experience preferred. Other nursing experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

Licensure/Certification - Current license to practice as Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland, or if resident of a state that participates in Nurse Multi-State Compact agreement, holds Registered Nurse license from that state that is designated as "Compact" or "Multi-State Privilege" using primary source verification and provides additional documentation as required by the Maryland Board of Nursing. RN license from a compact state with a designation of "Single State" does not meet the requirement and nurse must obtain a Maryland license. Maryland certification as an adult/adolescent forensic nurse examiner (FNE-A) through the Maryland Board of Nursing must be obtained within 6 months of completing course and certification as a pediatric forensic nurse examiner (FNE-P) within 6 months of completing course. National SANE-A, SANE-P, Generalist Forensic Nurse Certified (GFN-C) or Advanced Forensic Nurse Certified (AFN-C) certification preferred . BLS (CPR) in compliance with policy required.

Proficient in evidence collection of victims and suspects. Able to perform forensic nursing duties in the emergency department, inpatient hospital, and community-based settings. Proficient in forensic photography. Strong team work ethic while also able to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to serve as an expert witness and fact witness in forensic cases in the court of law.

Happy to Help At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.

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