Forensic Nurse Examiner/Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

Benefits :

• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Training & development

Job Hours : Full-time, must be able to take call and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed for call outs.

Position Overview :

The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) is a registered nurse who has completed the requirements set forth by the International Association of Forensic Nurse to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).

The Forensic Nurse will provide timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to the sexual assault client. This may include a medical-forensic exam, prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, photographic documentation, referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up, support and participation in legal proceedings.

The FNE is expected to follow protocols established by the Medical Director and / or the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) Director and policies of Crisis Line & Safe House.

Forensic Nurse Examiner Job Functions :

• Complete the initial SANE training with preceptorship within three months of hire date.
• Provide phone triage to determine if the patient is a candidate to present to the Center or if the patient needs to be seen at the local emergency department.
• When off duty and on call, respond to a call within 10 minutes and to the patient within 30 40 minutes of the initial call.
• Coordinate call schedule with the Sexual Assault Center Director monthly, at a time prearranged by the Center Director.
• Coordinate care by all agencies involved and coordinate referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up as needed for each patient.
• Perform a complete medical and forensic examination and document findings accurately.
• Explain all options available to the patient so that he / she can make informed decisions.
• Collect evidence at the patient’s request, guided by the history given.
• Document detailed injuries accurately with support of photographic evidence.
• Maintain chain of custody to include evidence collected and the forensic medical records and adhere to release policy.
• Maintain professional standards that do not create conflict of interests with employment or patient care, including patient and medical record confidentiality
• Administer appropriate medications per protocols.
• Provide testimony as a fact witness or expert witness when subpoenaed, to any cases performed while with CL&SH and coordinate with attorneys during judicial process.
• Participate in case reviews.
• Monitor the Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System (SAKTS) reports for compliancy of nurses and outside partners.
• Maintain client, shelter, and program security.
• Protect confidentiality of client information and shelter location as per policies and Georgia statutes.
• Maintain confidential files and collect statistical data, assist with reporting to grant funders.
• Assess client needs, provide crisis intervention, and assist in safety planning.
• Assist in answering the hotline and act as a resource to victims seeking services.
• Assist with community projects related to SART and / or advocacy services.
• Adhere to departmental polices related to the care of sexual assault patients.
• Work collaboratively with program advocates, law enforcement and other community stakeholders
• Maintain knowledge of current clinical concepts and practices.
• Conduct presentations for professionals, schools, community groups, and others to promote understanding and awareness of sexual assault, and to promote Crisis Line & Safe House.
• Participates in the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) meetings to help ensure a consistent, competent, and comprehensive response to sexual assault in our community.
• Attends community meetings, grant required meetings, or any other meeting or event deemed necessary by the agency.
• Stays knowledgeable of State and Federal guidelines and laws as related to sexual assault.
• Ensures that necessary information regarding each client is properly documented both in the client file and through the current agency data collection method.
• Assist in fundraising activities.
• Work as a team member with other staff and volunteers to achieve the mission of CL&SH
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Maintain knowledge of current clinical concepts and practices.

Requirements of Position Applicants :

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a minimum of an ASN or Diploma Nurse.
• Have an active Georgia RN license with no restrictions
• Have at least two years of direct patient care nursing experience preferred.
• Maintain all requirements as required by the local hospitals for credentialing
• Complete all hospital credentialing applications in a timely manner
• Have completed the SANE requirements set forth by the International Association of Forensic Nurses and / or the national guidelines.
• Maintains CPR
• Able to work independently
• Pass a criminal background check
• Willing to submit to random drug screenings

Other Skills / Abilities :

• Knowledge, skills and ability to collect evidence from a patient while maintaining chain of custody without compromising care.
• Knowledge, skills and ability to maintain and release medical / forensic records.
• Knowledge of current forensic practices.
• Knowledge skill and ability to testify as an expert in court.
• Knowledge of departmental policies, procedure and practice guidelines.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate multi-disciplinary efforts.

Note : Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Employment at Crisis Line & Safe House is on an at-will basis.

Regardless of the date or method of payment or salary, employment may be terminated at any time by the employer or employee with or without cause.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. No supervisor, manager, or other person, irrespective of title or position, has the authority to alter the at-will status of your employment or to enter into any employment contract for a definite period of time with you.

Any agreement with you altering your at-will employment status must be in writing and signed by the Executive Director of Crisis Line & Safe House.