HCSS Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Registered Nurse)

University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)•Galveston, TX

About The Position

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Registered Nurse) is a proficient clinician who balances independent and interdependent decision-making while providing holistic care to patients who have experienced sexual assault. The role conducts sexual assault medical forensic examinations and evidence collection, maintains accurate clinical and forensic documentation and chain of custody, and may examine suspect patients, testify in court, or serve as an expert witness. The nurse provides compassionate, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive care, advocates for patients and families, assesses learning needs, provides education, and connects patients with community resources. The position works independently and as part of the Forensic Nursing Team, collaborating with law enforcement, protective and community services, advocacy organizations, and legal partners. It also contributes to staff education, community education, preceptorship, case review, quality improvement, and ongoing professional development. The work is performed in an isolated, quiet, comfortable indoor room, though some circumstances may involve cramped or noisy conditions. The role may involve emotional distress, exposure to communicable diseases, on-call shifts, and extended shifts when necessary. Alertness and careful attention to detail are required.

Requirements

At least two years of experience as a registered nurse.
Registered Nurse license to practice in Texas, in good standing and without disciplinary action by the Board of Nursing.
Documented clinical competency and professional accountability.
Complete the Texas Certification of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner training through the Texas Office of the Attorney General and hold Pediatric and Adult SANE certification from the Texas OAG; alternatively, have completed at least 80 hours of OAG-approved sexual assault training and be enrolled in the UTMB SANE Preceptor Program while completing the clinical certification requirements.
Maintain educational and case-review requirements and documentation for Pediatric and Adult SANE recertification every two years.
Digital imaging training.
Competency with point-of-care testing and its quality requirements.
Ability to meet the vision, hearing, speaking, and touch requirements necessary to assess patients, read small print, observe injuries, and assess patient behavior.
Ability to work with attention to detail and manage potential emotional distress and occupational exposure to communicable diseases.

Nice To Haves

Emergency Room experience; preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

Maintain awareness of Texas Office of the Attorney General requirements for SANE certification and recertification, and submit required paperwork before expiration.
Assess sexual assault patients and identify actual and potential nursing care needs using specialized training and skills.
Conduct sexual assault medical forensic examinations and collect evidence in accordance with the Texas Protocol and current evidence-collection and storage techniques.
Complete accurate, concise, and legible forensic and hospital records, including written, illustrated, and photographic documentation.
Be prepared to conduct suspect patient examinations, maintain chain of custody, and testify in court, potentially as an expert witness.
Provide compassionate, individualized, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive nursing care, and advocate for patient and family rights and needs.
Assess patient and family readiness to learn, provide appropriate instruction, and evaluate understanding.
Maintain awareness of community resources for sexual assault patients.
Function independently and as a supportive member of the Forensic Nursing Team.
Identify learning needs, participate in preceptorship of new sexual assault nurse examiners, and serve as a forensic resource for hospital staff.
Serve as a liaison to community agencies and collaborate with law enforcement, Protective Services, the Resource & Crisis Center, the Child Advocacy Center, and the District Attorney’s Office.
Participate in community education and collaborate with the Forensic Nursing Team Program Coordinator and medical director.
Attend sexual assault training, conferences, and case reviews to meet education and recertification requirements and support professional growth.
Use sexual assault nursing research and quality improvement to enhance practice, and accept responsibility for professional growth and development.
Perform and report point-of-care testing and maintain competency in testing quality requirements.
Maintain a clean and safe environment, use proper aseptic technique, and prevent DNA cross-contamination between patients.
Follow sexual assault-related policies and procedures, stay aware of relevant legislative updates and standard prophylaxis medication orders, and adhere to departmental internal controls.
Perform other related duties as required.