Forensic nurse job description

1+ years of registered nurse experience in an acute care/hospital setting strongly preferred.

Summary:
Performs forensic examinations of individuals who have been sexually assaulted or otherwise impacted by violence and provides related patient care and referrals.

Work Schedule: Part Time Nights

Location: Memorial Hospital Central

Responsibilities:
Takes a medical history and account of the assault from the patient. Assesses the patient's psychological condition and performs physical examination.

Collects and preserves all evidence, collects relevant specimens, and documents findings.

Provides direct nursing care of injuries and prophylactic medications. Refers to appropriate personnel/facility for further treatment as necessary.

Communicates with victims and their families regarding evidence collection, treatment recommendations and reporting to law enforcement (except in cases of mandated reporting) in a manner that promotes informed decisions. Provides victim advocacy and/or expert testimony in court trials.

Within scope of job, requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and take appropriate action.

Requirements:

• Credentials:
  Essential:
  Basic Life Support
  Registered Nurse
• Other information:
  Minimum Required Education: Graduate of an accredited Registered/Professional Nursing program and completion of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner training within 3 months of hire.
  Required Licensure/Certification: State licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider.
  Minimum Experience: 1 year of RN experience or 6 months of experience as an Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner or Certified Nurse Midwife). Preferred: 3 years of RN experience in an acute care/hospital setting.
• BLS through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer with card in-hand before start date. BLS or CPR card must be good through sixty days of hire. All life support certification cards must be issued by either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer. (American Red Cross for the Professional Rescuer is only good upon hire and all renewals will need to be through an American Heart Association sanctioned course.)

Are you a RN New Grad? Visit to find out about our exciting New Grad opportunities!

The pay range for this position is: $33.08 - $51.27 / hour . Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience.

An annual bonus may be paid to eligible employees based upon organizational and individual performance.

UCHealth offers their employees a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. Some of the many benefits included in this package are full medical, dental and vision coverage; retirement plans; paid time off; employer-paid life and disability insurance with additional buy-up coverage options; tuition and continuing education reimbursement; and a full suite of voluntary benefits such as identity theft protection and pet insurance. Our employees and their family members have full access to our Employee Assistance Program, which includes up to 5 free counseling visits and work/life solutions, such as one free legal consultation. In addition, other emotional counseling support is available depending upon their need. At UCHealth, we do things differently We believe in something different: a focus on the individuality of every person. In big ways and small, we exist to improve the extraordinary lives of all those we serve. As Colorado's largest and most innovative health care system, we as a team deliver on the commitment to provide the best possible experience for our patients and their families. We foster a true human connection and give people the freedom to live extraordinary lives. A career at UCHealth is more than a job, it's a passion.

Going beyond quality requires the perfect balance of talent, integrity, drive and intellectual curiosity. We are looking for individuals who recognize, like us, that the world of medicine is ever-changing and are motivated to do what is right, not what is easy. We support creativity and curiosity so that each of us can find the extraordinary qualities within ourselves. At UCHealth, we'll do everything in our power to make sure you grow and have a meaningful career. There's no limits to your potential here.

Be Extraordinary. Join Us Today!

UCHealth recognizes and appreciates the rich array of talents and perspectives that equal employment and diversity can offer our institution. As an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, UCHealth is committed to making all employment decisions based on valid requirements. No applicant shall be discriminated against in any terms, conditions or privileges of employment or otherwise be discriminated against because of the individual's race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, genetic information or veteran status. UCHealth does not discriminate against any "qualified applicant with a disability" as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable accommodations, when they do not impose an undue hardship on the organization.

Eliot is currently seeking a Forensic Lead Nurse for the new Lowell Forensic Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) Team.. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the unique needs and history/background of the population and knowledge of placement options. A proven experience in community-based work with adults with severe and persistent mental illness are a must. PACT is an evidenced based multidisciplinary outreach mental program that serves adults with serious and persistent mental illnesses in the community. PACT staff work as a team to collaborate with consumers to develop treatment interventions that assist them in their recovery process.
Responsibilities:

+ Ensure that consumers are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with ECHS' Human Rights policy. Includes but is not limited to: assisting consumers in maintaining their appearance; supporting consumers' cultural and religious preferences.

+ Ensure that the foundations of services encompass empowerment, choices and recovery.Empower consumers to exercise control over their lives, including daily routines within their home, their treatment and leisure activities. Includes informing consumers of choices in all areas of living to promote individual control.

+ Assist consumers in being fully integrated in their communities by supporting them in the use of community resources, encouraging them in establishing memberships within their communities, and reducing stigma within the community through education.

+ Ensure consumers are free from neglect and abuse. Report all concerns/ suspicions of abuse/ neglect to supervisor and the Disabled Persons Protection Commission.

+ Carry out all activities in accordance with agency policy, procedures and objectives, DMH and DPH standards/ regulations and supervisory direction.

+ Provide and maintain therapeutic boundaries and a professional relationship with consumers. Exercise sound judgment by providing appropriate distance and support that promotes a trusting relationship and places the wellbeing of the consumer first.

+ Ensure that the emotional vulnerability of the consumer is not exploited for personal or other interests and act in a manner that cannot be misconstrued by the consumer. Includes but is not limited to: sexual exploitation; initiating or pursuing a relationship (friendship, sexual or otherwise); physical, verbal or emotional abuse; financial exploitation; gift giving and receiving.

Qualifications :

+ Licensed registered nurse in Massachusetts with at least a master's degree, bachelor's degree or associate's degree in nursing with at least 2 years of experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses either on psychiatric units, outpatient or in forensic settings. Must have at least 1 year of experience in a supervisory capacity and at least 1 year of experience working with justice involved individuals.

+ Possess knowledge of psychiatric medications, psychiatric and medical treatment, medication policies and procedures, and have the ability to manage overall delivery of medications.

+ Ability to work a flexible work schedule contingent upon program needs. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with periods of high stress.

Salary: TBD with hiring manager based on qualifications and experience

Bilingual in Khmer or Spanish preferred for 6% salary increase.

*Eliot mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for employees, please discuss the requirements with the hiring manager during the interview process.

Eliot is committed to identifying and dismantling barriers that prevent people with marginalizedracial identities from actualizing their full employment potential, assuming leadership roles, orfrom fully engaging at all levels in the workplace.

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred

+ Communication Skills: Expert

+ Experience with population: Expert

+ Supervisory skills: Expert

Education

Preferred

+ Associates or better in Nursing

+ MA or better in Psychology

+ Bachelors or better in Nursing

Licenses & Certifications

Required

+ MA DRIVER'S LICENSE

+ RN

The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) will provide timely, non-judgmental, compassionate and trauma informed care to any sexual assault victim, perpetrator, or other person involved with violent crime. Including a forensic exam, which will involve a head to toe physical assessment and evidence collection and photographic documentation. The victim of a sexual assault will also be offered prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. All victims will be offered referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up and supportive agencies. The FNE role will also include participation in legal proceedings. The FNE is expected to follow protocols established by the Medical Director and management of the FNE Program at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

* Prepares and provides orientation and performs evaluation of personnel in the FNE program.
* Establishes annual competency and quality assurance goals.
* Prepares a monthly on call schedule. Communicates schedule needs to provide 24/7 coverage. Maintain phone numbers to ensure up to date and accurate.
* Maintains supplies and equipment as needed to conduct forensic examinations.
* Maintain monthly chart reviews and provide education and correction when needed. Facilitate discussion for challenging cases or questions from FNEs.
* Offer debriefing sessions when needed after difficult cases and situations. Encourage self care to help prevent vicarious trauma.
* Works collaboratively with the department Director to ensure the program has all necessary resources needed.
* Assists personnel in preparing for courtroom proceedings and attend court room testimonies when possible.
* Communicate with Dr Keri Weeks and provide photographs and nurses notes for all child cases with positive finding.
* Oversees and completes all paperwork required for biannual child advocacy accreditation.
* Attend monthly Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings on the 2nd Monday of every month.
* Participate in monthly Peer Review meetings and present at least one case annually as assigned by Midwest Regional CAC.
* Maintains 20 continuing education credits related to FNE annually including a minimum of 10 hours of child maltreatment CEUs. (Peer review counts toward these hours).
* Assists and shares knowledge of program functions to hospital providers.
* Acts as the FNE/SART coordinator establishing quarterly meetings and communicating with SART team members as needed to maintain professional relationships.
* Establishes good relationship with community resource and work with Bright House to provide continuity of care for victims of violence.
* RESPONSIBILITIES IN MAINTAINING CLINICAL EXPERTISE:

* Maintain current State Registered Nurse License or higher.
* Complete the initial state 40-hour course for SANE training.
* Communicate with FNE coordinator and other FNEs to debrief as needed after difficult cases to avoid vicarious trauma and maintain emotional and physical wellbeing.
* Maintain open communication with FNE Coordinator on a regular basis.
* Maintain equipment in proper working condition, use proper cleaning techniques for equipment and FNE area. Maintain fiscal responsibility of unit's resources.
* Share experiences and personal accomplishments and expertise with other FNE members to provide educational opportunities for the program staff.
* Maintain competency by actively performing cases at least every six months to ensure proper procedure.
* Participate in chart and photograph review process bi-monthly.
* Participate in quarterly SART meetings and monthly MDT meetings.
* Adhere to all administrative, clinical, and employment policies and procedures on file with the HRMC FNE Program.
* Commit to cover minimum number of call hours, including weekend, holidays, and other scheduling requirements as determined by the FNE program.
* Participate in professional development activities including 12 hours of forensic nursing continuing education hours each year, monthly peer reviews, staff meetings, conferences, and in-services.
* MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

* Ability to apply the basic principles of nursing.
* Possesses excellent nursing communication skills, which demonstrate understanding of cultural, educational and age-related diversity.
* Possesses excellent nursing documentation skills.
* Demonstrated aptitude in critical thinking skills
* Ability to work independently and make autonomous decisions.
* PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

* N/A
* REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL SKILLS:

* Integrity:
* A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of honesty and the willingness to do the right thing.
* The ability to role model, inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals and values of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.

* Compassion:
* A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of caring that is reflected in a high level of empathy and customer service with all that we come in contact.
* Ability to manage conflict, consider other points of view, and offer alternative solutions without jeopardizing overall project direction and the ability to manage customer expectations.

* Accountability:
* Demonstrated track record of ownership of situations, projects and issues.
* Able to work autonomously and have a high degree of flexibility to adapt to changing projects, priorities and work volumes.

* Respect:
* Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a diverse population.
* Treat all internal and external customers with a positive, proactive service orientation.

* Excellence:
* Strong communication and presentation skills with a proven ability to influence and lead teams to conclusion/decision making.
* Proven ability to think strategically but also must be able to lead day-to-day tactical processes.
* Demonstrated ability to manage and provide coaching and leadership on complex projects.
* Must be able to lead and/or facilitate process improvement.

* MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

* Graduate of a nursing program
* Minimum 2 years RN experience
* Completion of the 40-hour State of KS SANE Training Course current or within 6 mos. of employment.
* PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

* BSN strongly preferred.
* Graduate of an accredited nursing program
* REQUIRED LICENSE/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION:

* Current Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Kansas
* Current Healthcare Provider BLS through AHA or ARC before start date.
* PREFERRED LICENSE/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION:

* N/A
*
* Establish good relationship with Law Enforcement and maintain open communication and provide feedback when needed.
* Maintain charts and records per state and federal regulations and organizational procedures.
* Maintain call time as required with a minimum of 36 hours of weekend call (Friday 7:00pm-Sunday 7:00pm) and 40 hours of weekday call each month. Holidays call will include at least one fall/winter holiday and one spring/summer holiday each year. These hours may be traded with another FNE if agreed upon in advance.
* The FNE is expected to respond to each case within 30 minutes to one hour from the time of notification.
* Demonstrate the ability to triage patient and determine if medical examination and treatment is needed before a forensic exam.
* Coordinate care with law enforcement, advocacy agencies, and any other services that may be necessary for the safety of the victim. Coordination of referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up as needed for each patient.
* Accurately perform and document all aspects of the history given by the victim about the sexual assault or violent crime.
* Perform a complete physical and forensic evidence collection examination including Head-to-Toe assessment for trauma, detailed genital examination, specimen and evidence collection with documentation, and digital photography.
* Assess the need for mandatory reporting status. Reporting to the appropriate authorities when necessary.
* Document injuries with measurements and details as accurately as possible using photography for supporting evidence. Maintain strict chain of custody and adhere to evidence protocols for each case.
* Maintain professional standards avoiding conflict of interest, maintaining strict confidentiality, and respect for the patient.
* Be prepared to provide testimony of facts to all cases performed and documented as FNE and coordinate with fellow nurses and attorneys to prepare for testifying.
* Upon completion of training and preceptorship the FNE will commit to 2 years of practice in the HRMC FNE Program. If the FNE leaves the Program before completion of two-years independent practice, he/she will be responsible for reimbursing the FNE Program all costs related to training and preceptorship.

We offer competitive pay, a generous benefit package and a reason to be proud of what you do, every day.