Forensic Nurse Examiner

About the role

To provide professional, compassionate care, comprehensive documentation and timely collection of forensic evidence to victims of sexual and domestic violence, elder abuse and human trafficking referred to the CARES program (Center for Abuse and Rape Emergency Services) for care. These victims may be male or female and age 14 years and up. This position is an on-call position. The SANE/FNE will be responsible for answering calls within 10 minutes and responding to the hospital in a timely manner as assigned by the CARES Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Responds to the hospital in a timely manner according to TriHealth guidelines.
• Determines the need for advocacy agencies and law enforcement presence if not already available.
• Collaborates with advocacy agencies and law enforcement to provide quality service to all clients.
• Collaborates with ED staff nurses and physicians regarding care involving evidence collection for victims of abuse.
• Utilizes assessment skills to determine patient needs based on patient information and history.
• Takes into account the individual's cognitive, physical, cultural, emotional/psychosocial, and spiritual needs when communicating and collecting evidence.
• Functions effectively within an environment of crisis involving sensitive interpersonal violence issues, often in conjunction with physical, psychological trauma and substance use.
• Performs technical skills according to policy and procedure and accepted standards within their area of practice.
• Safely administers medications/treatments as indicated.
• Uses all equipment in a safe, appropriate manner.
• Documents pertinent data on CARES records and provides the documents to the CARES Coordinator.
• Maintains chain of custody and ensures record is secured prior to finishing case.
• Consults with the CARES Coordinator regarding cases requiring court appearances.
• Assumes organizational and educational responsibilities.
• Identifies areas for professional and self‑improvement through self‑assessment, peer review, and continuing education of team members.
• Shares knowledge and skills with colleagues and others.
• Provides peers with constructive feedback regarding skills and knowledge.
• Maintains awareness of ongoing continuous improvement changes and supports changes through active participation.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree or Diploma in Nursing
• New hires required to complete BSN within 5 years of hire
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) certification
• Registered Nurse licensure
• Knowledge, judgement and skills derived from the Principles of Biological, Physical, Behavioral, Social, and Nursing sciences to meet complex health care needs at various stages of the life cycle
• Preferred membership in a related professional organization
• 6 months clinical experience in nursing

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure
• Preferred membership in a related professional organization

Skills

• Patient assessment and history taking
• Technical skills per policy and procedure
• Safe medication and treatment administration
• Proper equipment use
• Forensic documentation and chain‑of‑custody maintenance
• Crisis intervention in interpersonal violence, trauma, and substance use contexts
• Cultural, spiritual, and psychosocial sensitivity
• Effective communication with patients, families, ED staff, advocacy agencies, and law enforcement
• Education, mentoring, and peer feedback
• Continuous improvement and evidence‑based practice

Schedule

PRN/Optional, on‑call position.