FORENSIC NURSE EXAMINER

Methodist Hospitals•Merrillville, IN

About The Position

A Forensic Nurse Examiner is a registered nurse who has received special training to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, and patient-centered care to victims of violence. The services provided may include a medical forensic exam, evidence collection, forensic photography, prophylactic treatment for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, referrals for appropriate follow-up, safety planning, and participation in legal proceedings.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of equipment and tools used in medical forensic exams.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent critical thinking skills and ability to adapt to circumstances.
Ability to provide and receive constructive criticism.
Thorough knowledge of the sequelae related to sexual assault and other forms of violence.
Ability to administer medication per policy and procedure.
Ability to follow the National Patient Safety Goals.
Ability to interpret lab and diagnostic results as it relates to patients status.
Ability to communicate with all disciplines using SBAR.
Ability to multi-task.
Demonstrates courteous, kind and a caring, compassionate, positive attitude and support to the organization.
Clinical skills, Bedside Manner, Infection Control, Nursing Skills, Physiological Knowledge, Administering Medication, Medical Teamwork, Multi-tasking, Listening, Verbal Communication, Health Promotion and Maintenance.
Bachelors Degree in Nursing is Preferred
Associates Degree in Nursing is Required
2 yrs of nursing required
1 yr emergency nursing preferred
1 yr of forensic nursing preferred
IN Licensed Registered Nurse is Required
CPR is Required
Adult/Adolescent SANE Training (within 1 year of hire) is Required
Pediatric SANE Training (within 1 year of hire) is Required
Intimate Partner Violence Training (within 1 year of hire) is Required

Nice To Haves

Board Certifications- SANE-A, SANE-P, and GFN-C is Preferred

Responsibilities

Ability to appropriately triage a patient to determine if the patient requires an evaluation by an advanced provider in the emergency department.
Coordinate care with multidisciplinary team and community partners, including advocacy, police departments, and child protective services.
Assess for mandatory reporting status and report when appropriate.
Provide safe, therapeutic care to all victims of violence in a non-judgmental, dignified manner, regardless of patient’s history, background, or status. Able to make adjustments to the exam process to meet the needs of the patient.
Perform a complete physical and forensic evidence collection examination, including a head-to-toe assessment for trauma, detailed genitalia examination, forensic specimen collection and documentation, photography, and document findings accurately and completely.
Administer appropriate medications per protocols.
Communicate effectively with victims to ensure proper education and identification of needs.
Assist patients with safety planning and provide referrals for follow-up care, counseling, and other needed resources.
Maintains appropriate chain of custody for all evidence collected.
Provide testimony as a fact witness to any cases performed as an FNE and coordinate with attorneys during the judicial process.
Participate in regular peer review.
Seek out and participate in regular continuing education opportunities and stay current with latest evidence-based research pertinent to forensic nursing.
Attend 75% of all staff meetings and be responsible for reading all communications for the STAR Center manager.
Attend yearly competencies and educational requirements as required by department.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment in the STAR Center, ensuring that the exam rooms are always “patient-ready”.