HCSS Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Registered Nurse)

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

About The Position

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is a proficient clinician who provides comprehensive, individualized, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive care to sexual assault patients. The role requires balancing independent and interdependent clinical decisions while demonstrating compassion, patient advocacy, and professional accountability. The examiner conducts sexual assault medical forensic examinations, collects and documents evidence, maintains chain of custody, and may examine suspect patients or testify in court, including as an expert witness. The role collaborates with the Forensic Nursing Team and community partners, including law enforcement, protective services, the Resource & Crisis Center, the Child Advocacy Center, and the District Attorney’s Office. The examiner serves as a resource for hospital staff and a liaison to community agencies, participates in community education and preceptorship, and pursues ongoing training, case review, research, and quality improvement. This is a per diem position. Work is primarily in an isolated, quiet, comfortable indoor room, but may sometimes involve cramped or noisy conditions, emotional distress, and exposure to communicable diseases. On-call shifts may be required, though the schedule should be balanced to avoid them when possible; extended shifts may also be required in necessary cases.

Requirements

Registered Nurse for two or more years.
Current Registered Nurse license to practice in Texas, in good standing and with no disciplinary action by the Board of Nursing.
Documented clinical competency and professional accountability.
Complete the Texas Office of the Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner training and hold Pediatric and Adult Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner certification from the Texas Office of the Attorney General; or have completed at least 80 hours of OAG-approved sexual assault training and be enrolled in the UTMB Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Preceptor Program while completing the clinical certification requirements.
Maintain educational and case-review requirements and documentation for Pediatric and Adult Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner recertification every two years.
Digital imaging training.
Demonstrate competency in point-of-care testing and related quality requirements.
Ability to meet the role’s sensory needs: vision, hearing, speech, and touch sufficient to assess patients, read small print, observe injuries, and assess patient behavior.
Alertness and careful attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Emergency Room experience; preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

Assess sexual assault patients and identify actual and potential nursing care needs using specialized training and clinical knowledge.
Conduct sexual assault medical forensic examinations and collect evidence in accordance with the Texas Protocol and applicable procedures.
Maintain awareness of updates from the Texas Department of Safety Crime Laboratory concerning evidence collection and storage techniques.
Complete accurate, concise, and legible forensic and hospital documentation, including written records, illustrations, and photo-imaging.
Be prepared to conduct suspect patient examinations and maintain chain of custody.
Be prepared to testify in court and possibly serve as an expert witness.
Provide compassionate, sensitive, individualized, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive nursing care.
Advocate for patients and families, uphold their rights, assess readiness to learn, provide appropriate education, 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 for self and others; 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; pursue and share ongoing professional growth.
Use sexual assault nursing research and quality improvement to enhance practice.
Perform and report point-of-care testing and follow testing quality requirements.
Maintain a clean, safe environment and use proper aseptic technique to prevent DNA cross-contamination.
Follow sexual assault-related policies and procedures, remain aware of relevant legislative updates and standard prophylaxis medication orders, and adhere to departmental internal controls.
Submit required certification or recertification paperwork to the Texas Office of the Attorney General before expiration.
Perform other related duties as required.