Forensic Nurse Examiner

Forensic Nurse Job Description

Job Title:

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

Department name:

All Departments

Reports to:

Rapid SAVE Investigation-SANE Program Coordinator

JOB PURPOSE:

The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) will provide timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to the sexual assault victim.  This will include a 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 management of the Forensic Program for which the FNE is employed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ability to triage patient to determine if medical exam is needed before forensic exam.
• Coordinate care by all agencies involved in assisting the sexual assault victim and coordinate referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up as needed for each patient.
• Perform and document sexual assault and forensic interview accurately.
• Perform and document domestic violence/non-fatal strangulation and forensic interview accurately.
• Perform a complete physical and forensic evidence collection examination including Head-to-Toe assessment for trauma, detailed genital examination, forensic specimen collection and documentation, including photography, and assess for mandatory reporting status, reporting when appropriate.
• Document detailed injuries accurately with support of photographic evidence.
• Maintain chain of custody for each sexual assault exam and adhere to evidence protocols
• Maintain professional standards that do not create conflict of interests with employment or patient care, including patient and medical record confidentiality
• Administer appropriate prophylactic medications per protocols
• Provide testimony as fact witness to any/all cases performed as FNE and coordinate with attorneys during judicial process.
• Responsible to maintain clinical expertise as a FNE.
  • Maintain current Registered Nurse Licensure or higher.
  • Complete the initial state SANE training.
  • Complete the initial and on-going preceptor requirements as identified by the FNE Program
  • Maintain open communication with FNE Coordinator and/or management of FNE Program on regular basis.
  • Maintain equipment in proper working condition and exercise fiscal responsibility of unit’s resources.
  • Share individual expertise with the other members of FNE Program.
  • Participate in quality assurance chart and photograph review process as determined by the FNE program
  • Adhere to all administrative, clinical, and employment policies and procedures on file with the FNE Program or hiring agency.
  • Participate in professional development as determined by the FNE program, including staff meetings, conferences, and in-services.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

·       Bachelors or Associate degree in nursing- Registered Nurse

Experience/training:

·       Minimum of one year work experience as a registered nurse

·       Completion of 40 hour Adult/Adolescent SANE course preferred

·       Completion of SANE preceptorship program including clinical and non-clinical practices set forth by the IAFN, RSI and OR-SATF preferred

License/certification:

·       Washington:  Current Registered Nursing License

·       Oregon:  Current Registered Nursing License

·        Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required at date of hire.

Other skills:

·       Completion of ED specific competency preceptorship forms with RSI

·       Strong communication skills

·       Critical thinking skills

·       Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills

·       Strong customer service skills

Physical requirements:

·       Minimal anticipated exposure to blood and body fluids.

·       Job duties frequently require intense concentration and attention to detail.