Forensics - Registered Nurse (RN)

Foundation Health•Fairbanks, AK

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Nursing team is a vital subunit of Fairbanks Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Services Department, a 27-bed facility and the only designated Trauma Center within 350 miles. Forensic Nurse Examiners provide 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. The role includes medical-forensic assessments and examinations, patient care, injury description and documentation, and collection of DNA and/or trace evidence under program policies, medical standing orders, and agreements with partner law enforcement and advocacy agencies. Forensic nurses develop discharge plans and appropriate referrals, communicate with law enforcement, OCS, and advocates when appropriate, and provide expert testimony when subpoenaed. In the acute care environment, the RN assesses, plans, implements, evaluates, and documents nursing care according to organizational policies and professional nursing standards. The role uses specialized nursing knowledge and judgment to provide care appropriate to patients’ physical and developmental ages and is accountable for the quality of services delivered by the nurse and those under their direction. The position is full-time, 36 hours per week, with varied 12-hour night shifts and required call. A personal vehicle is required. The employer is willing to train the right person, but is not currently accepting new graduates. A $15,000 incentive for new hires is offered; 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's degree in nursing.
BLS certification.
Ability to perform independent work and make high-judgment, evidence-based decisions.
Ability to work effectively within a team or group setting.
Proficient computer literacy skills.
Ability to communicate respectfully and compassionately with patients, families or support people, personnel, law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and physicians.
Creative thinking, prioritization, and flexible problem-solving skills.
Clear verbal and written communication skills.
Personal vehicle required.
New graduates are not being accepted at this time.

Nice To Haves

SANE-A and/or SANE-P professional certification, or ability to obtain certification within a timeframe determined at hire.
Bachelor's degree.
Professional certification.
Experience working as a Registered Nurse in the specialty area in an acute care setting within the past 12 months.
Additional related education and/or experience.
ACLS, PALS, or additional certification and/or continuing education may be required based on area of practice.

Responsibilities

Provide medical-forensic assessments, examinations, patient care, injury description and documentation, and DNA and/or trace evidence collection according to applicable policies, orders, and agreements.
Develop discharge plans of care 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 patient physical, psychological, social, spiritual, educational, developmental, and cultural needs, as well as discharge planning needs.
Review patient history, physical information, diagnostics, and laboratory data; report abnormal results to physicians and appropriate caregivers.
Complete assessments and reassessments according to patient need and policy.
Formulate and initiate individualized plans of care, including discharge plans, in collaboration with patients, families, and the health care team.
Implement care through direct patient care, coordination, delegation, and supervision of health care team activities.
Provide care in accordance with physician orders, the nursing plan of care, policies, standards of care, and regulatory requirements.
Promote continuity of care by communicating patient status accurately and completely to other caregivers.
Evaluate patient and family responses to care and teaching, patient progress toward goals, and the effectiveness of teaching; 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 potentially participate in research activities within clinical practice.
Participate in unit or facility shared leadership and in education, role development, and orientation of personnel, patients, students, families, and visitors.
Support the growth of others by acting as a preceptor or mentor when appropriate.
Contribute to excellent patient outcomes and participate in improvement of nursing quality indicators and outcomes.
Perform duties according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and professional standards.
Provide customers of Foundation Health with an excellent service experience by demonstrating core and leader behaviors.