Forensic Nurse Examiner-PRN
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About The Position
The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) will provide timely, non-judgmental, compassionate, and trauma-informed care to any victim of violence and/or perpetrator, both intentional and unintentional. The FNE is expected to maintain professional standards when caring for forensic patients by maintaining strict confidentiality, avoiding bias, and respecting the patients. The Forensic Department cares for victims of all ages who experience sexual assault, domestic/interpersonal violence, strangulation, human trafficking, child abuse, physical assault, older adult abuse, and more. The FNE is expected to follow protocols established by the Medical Director, in collaboration with the Forensic Coordinator and management of the Forensic Department, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC). The FNE will perform a complete physical and forensic examination, which may include a head-to-toe assessment, detailed history of the incident, detailed genital examination, specimen and evidence collection with documentation, and digital photography. The FNE will document injuries with measurements and details as accurately as possible, conduct lab testing and STI prophylaxis, and provide contraceptives. The role requires the ability to appropriately use equipment, including cameras and colposcopes, in documenting injuries and collecting evidence. The FNE will maintain charts and records per state and federal regulations and organizational procedures, ensuring a strict chain of custody and adherence to evidence protocols for each case. The FNE will triage forensic patients to determine if medical examination and treatment are needed before a forensic exam, assess for emergency medical conditions, and make appropriate referrals. Communication with the Emergency Department staff is essential when transferring patients for evaluation and treatment, as well as facilitating communication between Emergency Department staff, patients, victim advocates, and law enforcement agencies. The FNE will perform quality assurance functions, including maintenance of the chain of evidence, documentation appropriateness, referrals, and preparing and interpreting reports as needed. The FNE will also provide court testimony as needed and is prepared to testify to the facts of all cases performed and documented. The FNE will coordinate with fellow nurses and attorneys to prepare for testifying, provide quality patient care using sound nursing judgment and skills, and encourage patients to make educated decisions regarding their care during the forensic exam. The FNE will utilize respectful, trauma-informed language in all aspects of the job and maintain a trauma-informed care environment. Collaboration with the treatment team to support patient-centered and focused techniques is crucial, as is providing information to the patient and assessing the need for appropriate community resources. The FNE will coordinate care with law enforcement, advocacy agencies, and any other services necessary for the victim's safety, promoting and supporting trauma-informed care implementation and initiatives within the organization. The FNE will assume additional responsibilities and perform special projects as determined by the Forensic Department, understand and follow on-call policies and procedures, and maintain clinical expertise through ongoing education and training. This includes maintaining a current State Registered Nurse License, completing required state courses for FNE/SANE training, and participating in professional development activities. The FNE is expected to maintain call time as required, including weekends and holidays, and respond to each case within 90 minutes of notification. Upon completion of training and preceptorship, the FNE will commit to two years of practice in the HRMC Forensic Department, with reimbursement for training costs if leaving before this period.
