Forensic Nurse Examiner

Description

The NACASA Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) is a registered nurse who has been specially trained to provide comprehensive care to adult or adolescent patients who have experience sexual assault or intimate partner strangulation.

The FNE will provide timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to sexual assault victims and victims of domestic violence strangulation.

This will include a forensic exam, prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, photographic documentation, referrals for appropriate medical follow-up, support, and participation in legal proceedings.

The FNE is expected to follow standing orders and policies / procedures established by the Medical Director and / or management of the FNE program.

The FNE will be able to provide testimony as a fact or expert witness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Utilizes the nursing process (subjective and objective data collection, formulation of a plan and diagnosis, implementation of the plan of care, and evaluation of patient response to intervention) and evidence-based knowledge to provide comprehensive care to a designated patient population.

Accurately documents and maintains patient medical records.

• Interfaces with multidisciplinary team members to provide optimum care. Utilizes effective communication and interpersonal skills to enhance and encourage collaborative staff and community relationships.
• Upholds patient confidentiality and HIPPAA Medical Privacy considerations in the course of patient care, care coordination, and court testimony as appropriate.
• Participates in continuing education and quality improvement activities. Supports membership in professional activities.

Practice and performance reflect knowledge of the relevant nurse practice acts, compliance, regulations, legislation, certification, and Northern Arizona Care and Service after Assault (NACASA) policies.

Awareness of the research basis for policies and procedures, measuring tools, and recommendations guiding clinical practice.

Awareness of and applies research-based findings to develop individualized plans of care based on patient needs and organizational policies, procedures, and protocol, aimed at achieving positive patient and family outcomes.

• Maintain chain of custody for each sexual assault exam and Domestic Violence Strangulation exam and adhere to evidence protocols.
• Maintain open communication with NACASA Clinical Coordinator and / or Program Management on regular basis, including notifying the Clinical Coordinator and Program Manager is supplies are needed in the exam room.
• Performs Medical Forensic Exams according to monthly call schedule.
• Participates in a minimum of 48 hours per month of on-call time.
• Ability to answer calls or texts while on call within 30 minutes.
• Precept new Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, as needed.
• Participates in quality assurance chart and photograph review process as determined by the NACASA Clinical Coordinator.

Education and Experience

Four-year college degree, or equivalent experience resulting in broad knowledge of a field related to the job plus 2 years related experience / training or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses, Certification, Registrations

AZ or compact state RN license, Minimum 2 years nursing experience, CPR Certification, Completion of Sexual Assault Examiner for the Adult and Adolescent that meets the IAFN training standards, or willingness to complete within first 3 months of employment, Completion of IAFN approved clinical skills lab, or willingness to do so within first 6 months of employment, Completion of IAFN approved DV Examiner training, or willingness to do so within first 3 months of employment.

Must have reliable transportation and willing to travel to complete an exam throughout northeastern AZ. Must pass North Country HealthCare credentialing and background check process.

Preferred Required Licenses, Certification, Registrations

SANE-A Certification or willingness to become certified within 3 months.

North Country Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor.