Forensics - Registered Nurse (RN)

Foundation Health, LLC•Fairbanks, AK

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) is part of the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Emergency Services Department and provides evidence-based, timely, non-judgmental care to people affected by trauma and violence, including intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect, strangulation, elder abuse and neglect, and sexual assault and abuse. Duties include medical-forensic assessments and examinations, patient care, injury description and documentation, and DNA and/or trace evidence collection in accordance with program policies, medical standing orders, and agreements with law enforcement and advocacy partners. The nurse develops discharge plans with appropriate referrals, communicates with law enforcement, OCS, and advocacy partners when appropriate, and provides expert testimony when subpoenaed. In the acute-care setting, the nurse assesses, plans, implements, evaluates, and documents patient care in accordance with organizational policies and professional nursing standards. The role requires specialized nursing knowledge and judgment to provide care appropriate to patients’ physical and developmental ages, and accountability for the quality of services delivered by the nurse or those under the nurse’s direction. The position is full time, 36 hours per week, with varied 12-hour night shifts and required call. The nurse must have their own vehicle. New graduates are not being considered; the hospital is willing to train an experienced candidate. A $15,000 new-hire incentive is offered, and retention incentives, relocation assistance, and transitional housing assistance are available for experienced RNs.

Requirements

Valid current or temporary Alaska RN license.
Knowledge and skills normally demonstrated by an associate degree in nursing.
BLS certification.
May require ACLS, PALS, or additional certification and/or continuing education depending on the practice area.
Creative thinking, prioritization, and flexible problem-solving skills.
Clear verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to perform independent work and make high-judgment, evidence-based decisions.
Ability to work effectively within a team or group.
Proficient computer literacy skills.
Ability to communicate respectfully and compassionately with patients, family members and support people, personnel, law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and physicians.
Not open to new graduates at this time.

Nice To Haves

SANE-A and/or SANE-P certification, or ability to obtain certification within a timeframe determined at hire.
Bachelor’s degree.
Professional certification.
Experience working in an acute-care setting within the past 12 months as a Registered Nurse in the specialty area.
Additional related education and/or experience.

Responsibilities

Provide medical-forensic assessments, examinations, and patient care to victims of trauma and violence.
Describe and document injuries and collect DNA and/or trace evidence according to program policies, medical standing orders, and partner agreements.
Develop discharge plans that address patient needs and include appropriate referrals.
Communicate with law enforcement, OCS, and advocacy partners when appropriate, and provide expert testimony in court when subpoenaed.
Assess patients’ physical, psychological, social, spiritual, educational, developmental, cultural, and discharge-planning needs; review patient histories, physicals, diagnostics, and laboratory data, and report abnormal results.
Formulate and revise individualized plans of care and discharge plans in collaboration with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team.
Implement plans of care through direct care, coordination, delegation, and supervision of health care team activities.
Evaluate patient and family responses to care and teaching, patient progress toward goals, and the effectiveness of interventions; revise plans as needed.
Document assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, interventions, patient responses, and physician orders accurately and in a timely manner.
Provide evidence-based care and may participate in research activities within clinical practice.
Participate in shared leadership, staff and patient education, orientation, and the development of others; serve as a preceptor or mentor when appropriate.
Contribute to excellent patient outcomes and improvements in nursing quality indicators, including through participation in professional organizations.
In some roles, supervise staff and department workflow.
Follow applicable policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and professional standards; provide an excellent service experience.