Forensic Nurse Examiner - PRN

About the Role

Providing objective forensic medical evaluation following the scope and standards of forensic nursing practice. The medical forensic exam is an examination of a patient impacted by violence or neglect. The registered nurse performing the examination is required to have specialized education and clinical experience in the collection of forensic evidence and public health concerns to assist in the treatment of these patients.

Responsibilities

• Gathers information from the patient for the medical forensic history; performs an examination; coordinates treatment of injuries, documents biological and physical findings, and collects evidence from the patient; documents findings; provides information, treatment, and referrals. The exam is referred to as the “forensic medical examination” under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
• Provides courtroom testimony when required.
• Assists other disciplines with forensic care concerns when necessary.
• Uses a multidisciplinary approach when providing forensic care.
• Variation of duties may result based on the assigned customer care unit(s). Unit-based skill lists outline expectations beyond the house-wide RN requirements.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age-specific data and provides appropriate, age-specific treatment.
• Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
• Complies with all applicable safety regulations; learns the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reports actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions.
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
• Enhances professional growth and development through advanced/continuing education to maintain up-to-date knowledge, skills, and competencies.
• Responsible for the care and maintenance of department/entity equipment and supplies.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing (Required)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Preferred)
• 2 years of Emergency Department or equivalent acute care experience (Required)
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse upon hire (Required)
• Multi-State Registered Nurse License upon hire (Required)
• Heartsaver CPR/AED certification upon hire (Required)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire (Required)
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent certification (Preferred)
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric/Adolescent certification (Preferred)
• Certification in appropriate nursing specialty (Preferred)

Current BLS certification is required for all areas of nursing practice. Additional certifications may be required for specific areas:

• Emergency Care Center – ACLS, PALS
• Intensive Care Center & MSCC Lead – ACLS, PALS
• Labor & Delivery (L&D) – ACLS, NRP (Experienced L&D nurses will obtain within 6 months; new L&D nurses will obtain at 1 year of experience)
• NICU – NRP
• PEDS – PALS
• PCC/PACU/ENDO – ACLS, PALS
• Procedural – ACLS

Physical Demands

• Standing – Frequently
• Walking – Frequently
• Sitting – Occasionally
• Carrying/Lifting – Occasionally (up to 50 lbs)
• Pushing/Pulling – Occasionally (up to 50 lbs)
• Kneeling/Crouching – Occasionally
• Reaching – Occasionally
• Talking – Frequently
• Hearing – Frequently
• Repetitive Motions – Occasionally
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination – Occasionally

Working Environment

• Occupational Hazards – Occasionally
• Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens – Yes