Forensic Nurse/ SANE, Emergency Department, Night Shift, Casual

WVU Medicine

2d•Onsite

About The Position

A Forensic Nurse (also called a SANE Nurse) is a registered nurse specially trained to care for victims of sexual assault. The nurse documents the patient’s account, performs necessary medical examinations, and collects forensic samples that may be used in prosecution. SANEs address both the physical and emotional aspects of care and collaborate with local rape crisis center advocates who provide resources and support. The role is part of a multidisciplinary team and requires knowledge of the nursing process, forensic sample collection, victims’ needs, and legal responsibilities. This position is in the Emergency Department and is listed as casual, at 0.3 FTE, with one 12-hour shift from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. It requires 24 hours of call each month, including eight weekend call hours. Scheduled weekly hours are 12. The role provides direct, coordinated patient care within the nursing process and scope of practice. The nurse uses independent nursing judgment, applies standards of care and scientific principles, evaluates patient responses, coordinates and delegates care appropriately, and collaborates with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team. The nurse also supports the development and integration of colleagues and students and promotes communication and trusting relationships at the unit level.

Requirements

Current Registered Nurse license in the state where services are provided, or a current multistate Registered Nurse license through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
Obtain Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire.
Document completion of a 40-hour SANE training course.
Complete 25 hours of competency-based training, documented at the department level.
Meet physical demands that include lifting, moving, stooping, reaching, positioning, standing, walking, and carrying patients, materials, and equipment weighing 40 pounds or more.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or diploma, with current enrollment in a BSN program and completion of the BSN within five years of hire.

Responsibilities

Assume responsibility, use authority appropriately, and accept accountability in delivering patient care.
Provide direct care to sexual assault victims during the designated shift, based on the nursing process and within scope of practice.
Make appropriate clinical decisions and use expert peers or management as needed.
Identify risks to patient health and initiate actions to correct, reduce, or prevent them.
Provide coordinated, comprehensive care—including assessment, expected outcomes, interventions, and evaluation—as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Negotiate patient-care tasks with patients and families within safe-practice guidelines; delegate tasks appropriately and follow up on completion and patient response.
Use independent nursing judgment and accept accountability for care provided personally and by staff to whom care is delegated.
Use standards and resources effectively and evaluate patient responses.
Guide care delivery using standards of care and practice, relevant scientific principles, and research findings; seek assistance or credible resources when needed to provide care safely.
Evaluate patient responses to performed and delegated tasks.
Set and revise direct and indirect care priorities based on patient acuity and available resources.
Support the development of others through mentoring and networking.
Help staff and students integrate into the health care team and understand the unit’s mission, values, and vision.
Promote trusting relationships and open, honest communication at the unit level.
Exchange information relevant to the patient assignment and interact with health care team members to meet patient-care needs.
Complete 24 hours of call each month, including eight weekend call hours.