Forensic Nurse Examiner

Bronson Healthcare•Battle Creek, NE

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under minimal supervision and in accordance with organizational and departmental policies, procedures, guidelines, and the Public Health Code, the Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) functions as part of an interdisciplinary team providing 24/7 emergency, trauma-informed medical care and consultation to patients who have experienced sexual violence, including forensic evidence collection when elected by the patient. The FNE travels between examination sites in Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties to provide timely and high-quality care, utilizing the nursing process; and delivering appropriate physical care within the scope of professional nursing practice based on patient acuity and care complexity. The FNE collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams and community partners to provide education and outreach throughout Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties in support of a coordinated community response to sexual violence. Employees providing direct patient care must demonstrate competencies specific to the population served. This is a 24-hour program that will require a mixture of both weekday office hours and after hours/ weekend/ holiday call shift coverage.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in nursing required
Licensed Registered Nurse in good standing for the state of Michigan
BLS certification required by completion of core orientation
Employment is contingent upon successfully completing required background checks and maintaining ongoing clearance throughout employment.
This position is part of a 24/7 emergency response team, requiring flexibility in scheduling, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Travel between multiple facilities and community locations is required.
Two years of acute care nursing experience, preferably in the area(s) of: emergency/trauma, women’s health, or other areas serving patients who have experienced sexual violence.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in nursing preferred, must obtain within 8 years of hire
All new hires are expected to successfully obtain their BSN within 8 years of hire date. If, after 8 years, the nurse has not met this requirement, employment will be terminated.
Completion of Adult/Adolescent SANE (SANE-A) basic training in accordance with IAFN guidelines, or an equivalent program offered by a comparable recognized accrediting body preferred.
Completion of Pediatric SANE (SANE-P) basic training in accordance with IAFN guidelines, or an equivalent program offered by a comparable recognized accrediting body preferred.
SANE-A Certification is preferred. Nurses without certification at hire must obtain SANE-A certification within three years, if certification is available. Failure to obtain certification within this timeframe may result in termination of employment.
SANE-P Certification is preferred. Nurses without certification at hire must obtain SANE-P certification within five years, if certification is available. Failure to obtain certification within this timeframe may result in termination of employment.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the 24/7 emergency response team, providing care during nights, weekends, and holidays.
Travel between multiple facilities and community locations to ensure timely, high-quality care.
Deliver trauma-informed care in sensitive and potentially distressing situations.
Apply critical thinking and independent judgment in urgent or complex cases.
Offer medical consultations by phone, including triage for the Child Advocacy Clinic when necessary.
Perform acute medical forensic examinations for patients of all ages and genders, collect forensic evidence as requested, and maintain strict chain of custody procedures.
Establish and maintain confidential medical records for each patient encounter.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation.
Utilize photography and videography for documentation as appropriate.
Assist in staffing the Child Advocacy Clinic, by triaging referrals, scheduling patients, providing follow up for those prescribed HIV prevention medication during their acute medical forensic exam, gathering medical history from pediatric patients and supporting Bronson’s Child Abuse Pediatrician with medical forensic examinations.
Maintain equipment and supplies.
Participate in departmental peer review: 100% of pediatric cases with positive physical findings with a SANE-P and/or Child Abuse Pediatrician. At least 75% of adult and adolescent cases with positive physical findings with SANE-A or SANE Medical Director.
Participate in multi-disciplinary case review as appropriate.
Educate patients and the community on available services and resources.
Represent the Nurse Examiner Team on community panels and committees as requested.
Attend a minimum of 75% of SANE staff meetings.
Prepare for testimony by reviewing medical records and photo/video documentation; testify in court proceedings when subpoenaed or requested.
Protect patient privacy and confidentiality in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as organizational policies.
Represent Sexual Assault Services in a professional manner and uphold the organization’s mission, values, and customer service standards.
Maintain respectful and professional collaboration with multidisciplinary colleagues, even in challenging situations.
Maintain working knowledge of applicable laws, ethical standards, and organizational policies and procedures.
Identify and implement action plans to strengthen the response to sexual violence.
Actively participate in the organization’s system change plan.
Mentor students and new staff.
Perform other related duties as assigned.