Forensic Nurse - As Needed

Meritus Health • Hagerstown, MD

2h

About The Position

The Forensic Nurse provides comprehensive, trauma-informed forensic nursing care to victims of violence across the lifespan who present to Meritus Health. The role integrates evidence-based clinical practice with forensic principles to support patient care, evidence collection, and collaboration with multidisciplinary partners involved in investigation and treatment. The Forensic Nurse maintains clinical competency and participates in ongoing education in accordance with Maryland Board of Nursing requirements.

Requirements

• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) required.
• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Maryland, or an eligible Registered Nurse license from a state participating in the Nurse Multi-State Compact agreement, designated as “Compact” or “Multi-State Privilege,” with primary source verification and any additional documentation required by the Maryland Board of Nursing. A compact-state license designated “Single State” does not meet the requirement; the nurse must obtain a Maryland license.
• Obtain Maryland certification as an adult/adolescent forensic nurse examiner (FNE-A) through the Maryland Board of Nursing within 6 months of completing the course and pediatric forensic nurse examiner (FNE-P) certification within 6 months of completing the course. Training will be provided if not already licensed.
• BLS (CPR) in compliance with policy.
• Keen analytical ability, attention to detail, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in evidence collection involving victims and suspects.
• Ability to perform forensic nursing duties in emergency department, inpatient hospital, and community-based settings.
• Proficiency in forensic photography.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and confidentiality while treating patients in a trauma-informed manner.
• Strong teamwork ethic and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in stressful environments while maintaining a professional attitude when communicating with victims, perpetrators of violence, and multidisciplinary team members.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to serve as an expert witness and fact witness in forensic cases in court.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Minimum of one year of acute care experience; other nursing experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• National SANE-A, SANE-P, Generalist Forensic Nurse Certified (GFN-C™), or Advanced Forensic Nurse Certified (AFN-C™) certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive forensic nursing care to victims of violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, abuse, and other trauma-related presentations.
• Deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care across the lifespan in a sensitive, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed manner.
• Conduct forensic examinations, documentation, and evidence collection in accordance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards.
• Maintain chain of custody and ensure accurate, timely, and thorough documentation.
• Coordinate care with a multidisciplinary team, including law enforcement, advocacy services, social work, and other healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care and investigation.
• Provide patient education, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Maintain clinical competency and participate in continuing education related to medical and forensic issues as outlined by the Maryland Board of Nursing.
• Adhere to Meritus Health policies, procedures, and quality standards.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Associate degree